Tuesday – September 15, 2026
Maritime

ClassNK Approves Hull Design for K LINE–MOL Liquefied CO2 Carrier

(Image credit: ClassNK)
(Image credit: ClassNK)

ClassNK has issued an Approval in Principle (AiP) for the design concept of a 42,000 m³ liquefied CO2 carrier jointly developed by Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. ("K" LINE), Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL), Nihon Shipyard Co., Ltd. (NSY), Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK Line), MILES Co., Ltd., and Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. A certificate handover ceremony was held at Gastech2026 in Bangkok, Thailand.

While carbon dioxide capture and storage (CCS) projects are proceeding worldwide, demand for liquefied CO2 carriers that transport CO2 from the capture site to the storage site is expected to expand. This AiP is a step toward standardizing hull designs, which is necessary in order to realize a sufficient number of liquefied CO2 carriers to meet such demand.

For this design concept, ClassNK carried out a design review based on Part N of its Rules and Guidance for the Survey and Construction of Steel Ships, which incorporates the IGC Code, an international code prescribing the safety requirements for the construction and equipment of ships carrying liquefied gases such as liquefied CO2 and LNG in bulk, together with a risk assessment through HAZID. ClassNK issued the AiP after it was confirmed that the prescribed requirements were met.

ClassNK will continually strive to contribute to the development of new technologies and their social implementation through safety assessments and more.

Carbon Dioxide Capture and Storage (CCS): Technology for separating and capturing CO2 contained in emissions and storing it in stable underground formations.

Approval in Principle (AiP): At the initial stage of designing or before the specific target ship to be implemented is decided, the design is examined based on the existing regulations such as international conventions and ship classification rules, and an AiP is issued as proof of conformity with requirements. It also prevents rework of regulatory aspects in the post-process, shortens the examination time at the time of class registration, and can be used as a technical basis for external appeal of the design status. For more information, visit our website.

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