In Japan, on June 30, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines and Mitsubishi Shipbuilding received Approval in Principle from ClassNK for the world’s first vessel designed to carry liquefied carbon dioxide on outbound voyages and synthetic methanol on return, in an effort to reduce inefficiencies linked to single-use cargo ships.
The ship is based on a low-pressure LCO₂ carrier and was reviewed under international codes for the transport of liquefied gases and dangerous chemicals. The companies said, “This marks a world’s first,” following a concept study that addressed design and operational requirements for dual-use transport.
Today, vessels that carry CO₂ or methanol often return empty. The new design aims to eliminate that gap, improving utilization and transport efficiency across both legs of a voyage. As technologies for converting captured CO₂ into methanol develop, such carriers could help close the loop between emissions capture and clean fuel delivery.
MOL has invested in synthetic methanol supply chains through HIF Global and is targeting net-zero emissions across its operations by 2050. The companies said they will continue working with other partners to move the design toward commercialization.
More on the story.
Category: Sustainable Marine Fuels
