Oslo-listed Hunter Group ASA and DNV classification society have forged a collaboration to develop a low-pressure mid-stream shipping solution for Carbon Capture and Storage. With the aim to create a sustainable CCS shipping option to be operated in Norwegian Continental Shelf and European waters, they agreed to construct a 40-70K cbm liquified CO2 carrier with 20-30K cbm feeder vessels. The evaluation will cover technological and operational measures, as well as hull and cargo tank designs. Moreover, alternative fuels like ammonia, methanol, fuel cells, and CO2 abatement technologies will be assessed.

“We are looking forward to working closely with the highly competent people at DNV, a world-leading Classification Society and the only one with CO2 transportation experience, to develop a shipping solution that will contribute to dramatically reducing GHG Emissions and hopefully get us closer to reaching the goals of Net Zero by 2050,” Erik A.S. Frydendal, CEO of Hunter Group said.

“We are looking forward to working with Hunter Group in order to attempt to solve the challenges facing CCS shipping, both when it comes to hull and cargo designs as well as choice of fuel,” Trond Hodne, Business Director Maritime of DNV added.

CCS is viewed as an integral factor in reaching decarbonisation goals by 2050. Captured CO2 will be transported via ships. This has created demand for large-scale carriers. In response, major industry players are pursuing solutions to meet the needs of the market. 

Korean and Japanese shipbuilders and shipping companies are taking the lead, with Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) recently receiving approval in principle (AiP) for their design of a large-scale liquefied CO2 carrier from the Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK). Additionally, Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Corporation began construction on a demonstration ship for liquefied CO2 transportation.

Related: Hyundai Heavy Industries to Make World’s Biggest Liquified CO2 Carrier

Image credit: Hunter Group