At the recent Nor-Shipping maritime trade fair, which was celebrated for its 60th anniversary, the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) granted approval in principle (AIP) to Knutsen NYK Carbon Carriers (KNCC) for an innovative design of a liquefied carbon dioxide (LCO2) carrier. This cutting-edge design features a capacity of 40,000 cubic meters, representing a pioneering step in the transportation industry.
The LCO2-EP carrier concept is designed to transport and store liquefied carbon dioxide at near-ambient temperatures and under elevated pressure. Utilizing a modular approach, this design minimizes the need for extensive cooling, potentially enabling the construction of larger carriers for efficient transport.
ABS conducted thorough design reviews in compliance with class and regulatory requirements to ensure safety and reliability. Patrick Ryan, ABS Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, emphasized the importance of carbon capture and transport as integral components of the carbon value chain.
He stated, “ABS recognizes that collaboration is key to these advancements, and we are delighted to work with forward-thinking innovators like KNCC to drive the development of cutting-edge containment technologies for LCO2.” Oliver Hagen-Smith, CEO at KNCC, expressed pride in receiving the AIP from ABS, highlighting it as a major step towards safer and scalable carbon transport solutions.
He noted, “KNCC’s commitment to excellence is evident in its rigorous approach to novel vessel design and collaboration with leading classification societies such as ABS.” With over 50 years of experience, ABS remains a prominent classification society for gas carriers, reinforcing its role in advancing maritime technology.