ClassNK issues Approval in Principle (AiP) for a 42,000 m³ LCO₂ carrier– Contributing to the social implementation of CCS through safety assessments of liquefied CO₂ carriers

The Japan Classification Society, ClassNK, has given an Approval in Principle (AiP) for the design concept of a 42,000 m³ liquefied CO₂ carrier. This vessel is a joint effort between several major shipping companies, including K LINE, MOL, NSY, NYK Line, MILES Co., Ltd., and Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. The AiP was handed over during a certificate ceremony at the Gastech2026 exhibition in Bangkok, Thailand.

As carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects are expanding globally, the need for liquefied CO₂ carriers transporting CO₂ from capture to storage sites is anticipated to grow. This AiP is a crucial step towards standardizing the hull designs, which is essential for producing enough liquefied CO₂ carriers to satisfy this demand.

ClassNK conducted a comprehensive design review for this concept, following Part N of their 'Rules and Guidance for the Survey and Construction of Steel Ships'. This review integrated the IGC Code, an international safety code for ships carrying liquefied gases like CO₂ and LNG in bulk, along with a risk assessment through HAZID. Upon ensuring compliance with all the necessary requirements, ClassNK issued the AiP.

ClassNK remains committed to fostering the advancement of new technologies and their integration into society through safety assessments and continuous improvement. The AiP serves as a proof of compliance with regulatory regulations at the early stages of design, preventing the need for post-process regulatory rework, reducing examination time before class registration, and providing a technical foundation for the external approval of the design status.