Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) and Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., part of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group, have acquired Approval in Principle (AiP) from Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK) for their jointly developed liquefied CO₂ (LCO₂) / methanol carrier.
AiP acquisition for this type of carrier marks a world first.
Technologies for converting CO2 into fuel or chemical products are attracting attention as a means of utilising CO2 in CCUS (Carbon dioxide Capture, Utilisation and Storage). One such approach is the ongoing study toward realising a supply chain for producing synthetic methanol from captured CO2.
Synthetic methanol is expected to serve as one of the marine fuels that will contribute to decarbonisation in the maritime shipping industry.
The vessel for which Mitsubishi Shipbuilding and MOL acquired AiP is based on a low-pressure LCO2 carrier. It aims to transport CO2, which serves as a raw material, on outward voyages and synthetic methanol on return voyages.
Use of dedicated vessels for CO2 or methanol results in empty-cargo operation on half of their trips. If dual transport of both products is achieved, empty-cargo trips can be eliminated, improving overall transport efficiency, reported MOL.
MOL and Mitsubishi Shipbuilding will move forward with the development of the carrier, building on the findings and technical challenges identified during the concept study. The goal is to achieve commercialisation through collaboration with companies in the supply chain and other partners.
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The MOL Group is currently working to build supply chains for synthetic fuel/methanol and CO2 through initiatives such as its investment in HIF Global LLC, a US-based company that develops, produces and transports synthetic fuel/methanol across North and South America and Australia.
The carrier is expected to enhance the overall economic viability of such supply chains and contribute to their realisation.
In line with the “MOL Group Environmental Vision 2.2”, MOL is targeting net-zero emissions Groupwide by 2050. By accelerating efforts to transport CO2 and develop and supply synthetic methanol, MOL aims to contribute to a low-carbon or decarbonised society.
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Approval in Principle (AiP) indicates that a certification body has reviewed the basic design of the equipment and confirmed it meets technical requirements and safety standards.
In this case, the inspection was conducted based on the IGC Code, IBC Code, and ClassNK rules for ships transporting liquefied gases and dangerous chemicals in bulk.
Earlier this year, MOL and the Kansai Electric Power Company (KEPCO) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on a carbon removal credit project.
