Shell and Brevik Engineering’s LCO₂ Carrier Design Earns DNV’s Nod for Maritime Innovation

Shell and Brevik Engineering’s LCO₂ Carrier Design Earns DNV’s Nod for Maritime Innovation

(IN BRIEF) DNV has issued an approval in principle for a newly developed LCO₂ carrier design, a project undertaken by Shell and Brevik Engineering. The vessel design has been rigorously evaluated and is recognized for meeting the stringent safety, technical, and environmental standards required for transporting liquid carbon dioxide. This innovative design is a critical development in the field of carbon capture and storage, as it addresses the challenges associated with CO₂ transport in the maritime industry. The collaboration underscores a commitment to advancing sustainable energy solutions by ensuring that the vessel can safely handle the complexities of liquid CO₂ carriage, thus supporting initiatives aimed at reducing global emissions. This decision marks a significant milestone, validating the technical robustness and forward-thinking approach of the project.

(PRESS RELEASE) BÆRUM, 14-Mar-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — DNV, a global leader in energy expertise and assurance, has issued a detailed Approval in Principle (AiP) to Shell International Trading and Shipping Company Limited and Brevik Engineering for their innovative design of a liquid carbon dioxide (LCO₂) carrier with a capacity of 74,000 cubic metres. Tailored specifically for the Asia Pacific market, this vessel is engineered to transport CO₂ cost competitively, addressing the increasing demand driven by regional decarbonization efforts.

The need for such advanced shipping solutions is underscored by the critical role of carbon capture and storage (CCS) in reducing industrial emissions across Asia Pacific. Nations like Japan, Korea, and Singapore are actively exploring the shipment of substantial CO₂ volumes to designated storage sites, a challenge that calls for vessels of larger capacity than those currently envisioned for European CCS projects. At the heart of this development are low-pressure cargo tank designs, which are key to making large-scale LCO₂ shipping both commercially viable and cost-efficient.

DNV’s AiP covers an extensive range of technical disciplines, with over 50 documents meticulously reviewed. Special focus was placed on the design and integrity of the cargo tanks, ensuring the materials and structural analyses meet stringent standards required for safely storing liquid CO₂ at around -50°C and operating at pressures between 6 and 8 barg. The ship’s design—capped at 290 meters in length with a 12-meter draft—ensures it can access critical East Asian ports, while its overall dimensions are comparable to those of a 174,000 cbm LNG carrier. Notably, the vessel is also conceived with future capabilities in mind, including the onboard capture of CO₂ from the main engine exhaust.

“This AiP is a testament to our close collaboration with Shell and Brevik Engineering,” said Mathias Sørhaug, Business Development Director CO₂ Shipping at DNV Maritime. “Our joint efforts have culminated in a design that accelerates the development of low-pressure shipping technology, which is essential to reduce CCS costs and support the broader green transformation.”

Lee Teng-Huar, Shell General Manager, Maritime Operations, Asia Pacific and Middle East, added, “After months of in-depth technical research, we are proud to secure this Approval in Principle, which confirms that our low-pressure shipping design is not only feasible but also ready for tender. This innovation promises to enhance safety and deliver the scalability needed to implement large-scale, cross-border CCS solutions.”

Evert Grødal, Managing Director of Brevik Engineering AS, echoed this sentiment, stating, “Our extensive expertise in marine design and CO₂ logistics has been instrumental in developing this novel carrier. Through our comprehensive technology study in collaboration with Shell, we are setting new benchmarks for safe, efficient, and sustainable CO₂ shipping while minimizing technological risks and adhering to current regulations.”

An Approval in Principle (AiP) serves as an independent evaluation of a concept based on a predetermined set of requirements, confirming that the design is viable and free of significant technical obstacles. This milestone not only validates the innovative approach taken by the partners but also paves the way for transformative advancements in low-pressure CO₂ shipping technology.

Media contact:

Margrethe Andersen
Head of External Communications, Maritime
margrethe.andersen@dnv.com

SOURCE: DNV