Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. and Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group, have recently achieved a significant milestone by obtaining Approval in Principle (AiP) from Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK) for their innovative liquefied CO2 (LCO2) / methanol carrier. This accomplishment marks a groundbreaking development as it represents the first carrier of its kind in the world.
The interest in technologies that convert CO2 into fuel or chemical products has amplified within the context of Carbon dioxide Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS). One particular avenue being explored is the creation of a supply chain dedicated to producing synthetic methanol from captured CO2. Synthetic methanol is poised to become a key player as a marine fuel, aiding in the maritime industry’s decarbonization efforts.
The newly developed vessel is designed for dual purposes: transporting CO2 as a raw material during outward voyages and delivering synthetic methanol on return journeys. Traditionally, dedicated vessels for CO2 or methanol experience empty-cargo scenarios on half of their trips. However, this dual transport mechanism promises to eliminate empty trips, thus enhancing overall transport efficiency.
Mitsui O.S.K. Lines and Mitsubishi Shipbuilding plan to proceed with the LCO2/methanol carrier’s development, drawing on insights and technical hurdles encountered during the concept study. Their aim is to commercialize this vessel through collaboration with various stakeholders in the supply chain.
MOL is actively engaged in creating supply chains for synthetic fuels, including methanol and CO2, illustrated by its investment in HIF Global LLC, a company focused on synthetic fuel production in the U.S., North and South America, and Australia. The new LCO2/methanol carrier is expected to bolster the economic viability of these supply chains, contributing to a low-carbon society while aligning with MOL Group’s Environmental Vision 2.2, which targets net-zero emissions by 2050. As part of its strategy for energy transition, MHI Group is seeking to strengthen its business endeavors.
Mitsubishi Shipbuilding is enhancing the maritime sector by applying its shipbuilding technologies beyond conventional methods. The collaboration with MOL embodies MHI Group’s commitment to forging strategic partnerships aimed at developing a robust CCUS value chain, with a continued focus on delivering innovative technologies and services to a broader customer base.