At Nor-Shipping 2025 , Gisle Nysaeter , Senior Principal Engineer at leading naval architecture firm Brevik Engineering , unveiled a breakthrough in LCO₂ ship design: The most efficient 50,000 m³ low-pressure liquid CO₂ (LCO₂) carrier to date.
This pioneering concept delivers a powerful blend of cutting-edge technologies and smart engineering. Aerodynamically optimized hull and superstructure significantly reduce wind resistance, while the integration of a wind-assisted propulsion system further enhances fuel efficiency. Most notably, the cargo tanks are constructed using F460 TMCP toughcore steel from voestalpine Grobblech GmbH , pushing the boundaries of size, strength, and sustainability.
Designed for low-emission operations and optimized for slow-speed sailing, this vessel sets a new benchmark in energy-efficient CO₂ transportation.
Engineered for performance and scale
The vessel is designed to carry 50,000 m³ of liquid CO₂ at -55°C , using eight cylindrical tanks housed within the hull. To achieve this, Brevik Engineering selected F460 TMCP toughcore , a high-strength, thermo-mechanically rolled steel known for its superior fracture toughness and cost-efficiency in cryogenic applications.
“ By utilizing the outstanding material properties of the newly developed F460 TMCP toughcore®—such as its high strength combined with excellent toughness—we were able to maximize the tank diameter to 15.8 meters , optimizing the design for low-pressure operation at 8.5 barg. The material from voestalpine Grobblech is the most cost-effective alternative we’ve found for low-pressure LCO₂ applications, ” — Gisle Nysaeter, Senior Principal Engineer, Brevik Engineering
Material innovation that drives efficiency
F460 TMCP toughcore® was engineered with cryogenic challenges in mind. It enables the construction of larger and lighter low-pressure tanks —an advantage that directly translates to lower operational costs and enhanced ship performance.
“ This particular ship design combines the most modern technologies available, making it the most efficient low-pressure LCO₂ carrier design on the market. The choice of F460 TMCP toughcore® underscores its clear advantages for both engineers and fabricators. With its enhanced tensile strength and outstanding low-temperature performance, this material enables the design and construction of the largest low-pressure LCO₂ cargo tanks on the market. We are proud of our collaboration with Brevik Engineering, ” — Myriam Cejudo, Sales Manager, voestalpine Grobblech GmbH
The steel has been successfully tested at CVN -85°C and CTOD at a design temperature of -55°C , offering exceptional safety margins. Just as crucially, conventional welding consumables with matching yield strength and cryogenic performance are readily available, streamlining fabrication.
A blueprint for the future of CO₂ shipping
This collaboration between Brevik Engineering and voestalpine Grobblech highlights how advanced ship design , next-generation propulsion , and innovative materials can come together to support the growing carbon economy—without compromising on performance, safety, or sustainability.
Note: The opinions, beliefs, and viewpoints expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Offshore-Energy.biz