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.