Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., part of the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group, has recently received Approval in Principle (AiP) from Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK) for its innovative Onboard Carbon Capture and Storage system (OCCS). This system is designed to capture and store carbon dioxide (CO2) emitted from ships, marking a significant step towards decarbonizing maritime operations. The OCCS functions by capturing, liquefying, and storing CO2 after pretreating the exhaust gas from vessels.
This technology has garnered attention as a viable solution to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions within the shipping industry. Mitsubishi Shipbuilding has leveraged MHI’s extensive experience in CO2 capture technologies from onshore facilities, integrating these with technologies for exhaust gas pretreatment, CO2 liquefaction, and storage to establish a robust onboard system. The company is committed to accelerating the development of this system to bring it to market swiftly.
As part of its strategic efforts in pursuing energy transition measures, MHI Group aims to enhance its business initiatives. Mitsubishi Shipbuilding is focused on contributing to advancements in the maritime sector both in Japan and globally by applying its marine engineering expertise to conventional shipbuilding practices. The aim is to engage actively in reducing the greenhouse gas emissions associated with shipping, an increasingly critical issue worldwide.
Approval in Principle (AiP) signifies that ClassNK has thoroughly reviewed the basic design of the OCCS and confirmed that it meets the necessary technical requirements and safety standards. The evaluation was conducted according to ClassNK’s “Guidelines for Shipboard CO2 Capture and Storage Systems,” underscoring the importance of regulatory compliance in innovative maritime technologies.