Japanese shipbuilder Mitsubishi Shipbuilding, a subsidiary of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MIH) Group has launched a liquified CO2 demonstration carrier built for carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS). 

The 236-foot ship has a storage capacity of 1,450 m³ and will be used with demonstration carbon capture and storage projects underway for Japan’s New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organisation (NEDO).

The launching ceremony for the ‘world’s first’ LCO2 ship was held at the Shimonoseki Shipyard of Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Corporation on March 28. 

The test ship hull will be equipped with the liquified CO2 tank system developed by the Engineering Advancement Association of Japan (ENAA). 

ENAA, Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha (K LINE), NGL, and Ochanomizu University will expedite their research and development of LCO2 transportation technology and contribute to the cost reduction of CCUS technology to enable safe, large-scale, and long-distance transport of LCO2. 

Following the sea trials, the ship is scheduled to be delivered later this year. In 2021, the shipbuilder was granted Approval in Principle from Bureau Veritas for its LCO2 carrier cargo tank system. 

Demand for LCO2 carriers is expected to rise as carbon capture and storage gains traction and support worldwide.