Approval in Principle (AiP) Acquired for Standard Low-Pressure Liquefied CO₂ Carrier toward Realization of CCS Business in Japan

Six maritime companies, including NYK Line, K Line, MOL, Nihon Shipyard Co., Mitsubishi Shipbuilding, and MILES Co., have received Approval in Principle (AiP) for a low-pressure liquefied CO2 carrier from Japan's ClassNK classification society. This decision came after a risk assessment for LCO2 handling operations was completed.

The AiP was officially presented at Gastech 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand. With the rise of CCS (Carbon Dioxide Capture and Storage) projects in Japan, the demand for LCO2 carriers is anticipated to rise, necessitating a method for transporting CO2 captured domestically to storage sites. The six companies have been collaborating on a standard design framework for LCO₂ carriers, utilizing MILES for such vessels, and alternative-fuel ships.

Their objectives include ensuring the domestic construction and supply of LCO₂ carriers, standardizing these carriers, and establishing a CCS value chain. This AiP represents the first significant achievement through the MILES framework. The comprehensive risk assessment for the low-pressure 42,000m3 LCO₂ carrier class relied on the experience of K Line, MOL, and NYK Line in handling low-pressure gas carriers, focusing on risks specific to low-pressure LCO₂.

This assessment resulted in the establishment of a safety-oriented design policy, which will be incorporated into the standard design of LCO₂ carriers and serve as a crucial foundation for fostering the growth of CCS business in Japan. The common design platform for a standard vessel is projected to save time and resources in design and construction, thereby enhancing construction capabilities.

NYK Group is actively advancing the development of the CCS value chain, particularly in the transportation of LCO₂, by drawing on its long-standing expertise and technology in maritime transportation and safe operations, both domestically and internationally. The acquisition of AiP marks a critical milestone in the commercialization of LCO₂ carriers, which are being standardized to support the realization of CCS projects.

It also signifies a substantial advancement in the efforts to establish a viable CCS value chain. Through ongoing collaboration and partnerships with industry stakeholders, the NYK Group aims to contribute to the social implementation of CCS projects and the realization of a carbon-neutral society.