ClassNK approves 42,000 m³ LCO₂ carrier design

ClassNK has issued Approval in Principle (AiP) for a 42,000 m³ liquefied CO₂ carrier jointly developed by six Japanese maritime companies.

“K” LINE, MOL, Nihon Shipyard, NYK Line, MILES and Mitsubishi Shipbuilding developed the vessel concept, with the approval presented at Gastech 2026 in Bangkok.

New carrier designed for CCS projects

The vessel is intended to transport captured CO₂ to storage sites, supporting the development of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) projects.

As CCS activity expands, demand for vessels capable of transporting liquefied CO₂ is also expected to increase.

The 42,000 m³ vessel is being developed as a standard low-pressure LCO₂ carrier under the MILES design framework established by the six companies in December 2025.

The partners aim to create a common design platform that can reduce design and construction workloads. It is also expected to support a stable supply of LCO₂ carriers for Japan’s developing CCS market.

The AiP represents the first concrete achievement under the MILES framework.

ClassNK completes safety assessment

ClassNK reviewed the vessel against safety requirements for ships carrying liquefied gases in bulk.

The classification society also carried out a HAZID risk assessment covering LCO₂ handling operations.

The assessment drew on the experience of “K” LINE, MOL and NYK Line in low-pressure gas carrier operations. Its findings were used to establish a safety-focused design policy for the standard vessel.

ClassNK issued the AiP after confirming that the design met the applicable requirements.

No vessel order, construction schedule or delivery date was announced.

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