SHI wins approval from KR for 40,000 m3 LCO2 carrier

A 40,000 m3 LCO2 carrier developed by South Korea’s Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) has secured Approval in Principle (AIP) from compatriot Korean Register (KR).

The certificate was presented during a ceremony held at Nor-Shipping 2023 in Oslo, Norway on 7 June.

The achievement is the result of a collaboration between SHI and KR, with SHI designing the cargo tank and hull structure, while KR verified the suitability of the design by reviewing classification rules and related regulations.

LCO2 carriers are expected to play an important role as a major means of transportation for Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS) technology, which captures CO2 generated from fuel combustion or industrial processes, and either utilizes it as a valuable resource or stores it underground.

Carbon dioxide needs to be maintained in a liquid state at low temperatures and high pressure for mass transportation. Hence, LCO2 carriers are designed to maintain optimal temperature and pressure for economic efficiency, and special attention is required to prevent phase change of CO2 during the operation of the vessels.

To maintain high pressure, the cargo tank of the LO2 carrier incorporates the IMO TYPE Independent-C tank. Furthermore, the vessel is constructed using materials specifically engineered to withstand low temperatures, to secure sufficient strength and durability even in environments exposed to low temperatures.

Given that LCO2 has a higher density than LNG, more in-depth verification of structural safety for cargo holds, cargo tanks, and support structures is required.

According to KR, SHI’s LCO2 carrier has demonstrated reliability through structural analysis that evaluates structural strength and fatigue strength in high-stress areas.

“Through this LCO2 Carrier AIP, we have laid an important foundation for the commercialization of large LCO2 carrier technology. We will continue to provide technical support for CO2 capture, storage and burial technology and decarbonization technology in the future,” YEON Kyujin, Head of KR’s Plan Approval Center, said.

“Our LCO2 carrier is a good example of SHI’s advanced eco-friendly technology. We will dedicate ourselves to develop technologies to achieve carbon neutrality in the shipbuilding and maritime industry,” AHN Youngkyu, Vice President of SHI said.

Separately, KR has issued the first New Technical Qualification (NTQ) statement to the Hyundai Intelligent Navigation Assistant System (HiNAS Control) during Nor-Shipping 2023.

Developed in collaboration between autonomous solutions provider Avikus, and HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE), HiNAS Control utilizes augmented reality (AR) technology to help ships navigate. The system integrates data collected from vessel sensors and sailing equipment to help ships navigate optimal routes, maintain ideal speeds, and avoid collisions.

The system is aimed at improving safety while also improving fuel efficiency and alleviating the operational workload for bridge teams contributing to the reduction of maritime accidents and air pollutants.

The NTQ was conducted in accordance with the “Guidelines for New Technology Qualification” established by KR to evaluate new maritime technology.

The NTQ process comprises four stages: feasibility and concept verification, prototype validation, system integration, and operational assessment. KR said that its comprehensive review confirmed the ‘outstanding performance’ of HiNAS Control.

“Through this NTQ process, we were able to confirm the stability and performance of the system through sufficient technical verification in various scenarios using the virtual test drive system at our Digital Convergence Center,” KWON Byounghun, Executive Vice President and Head of Digital Research Lab of HD KSOE said.

“This certification is significant as it is the first such case to achieve KR’s NTQ. We will do our best to develop and lead the market in safe and green autonomous navigation technology through cooperation with KR and HD KSOE,” LIM Dohyeong, CEO of Avikus, said.