NEWS

Recently, the world’s largest liquefied carbon dioxide (LCO₂) carrier has been successfully launched off the coast of Ulsan.

HD Hyundai Mipo (HMD), a shipbuilding subsidiary of HD Hyundai, announced on April 16 that it held a launching ceremony at Ulsan for a 22,000-cubic-meter LCO₂ carrier.

The vessel, measuring 159.9 meters in length, 27.4 meters in breadth, and 17.8 meters in height, is the first of four LCO₂ carriers ordered by Capital Clean Energy Carriers of Greece.

Existing commercial LCO₂ carriers have typically been in the 7,500㎥ class. The vessel launched by HD Hyundai Mipo is a 22,000㎥ class ship, making it the largest LCO₂ carrier in the world.

The ship is fitted with three bi-lobe–type cargo tanks capable of maintaining temperatures around minus 55 degrees Celsius. This enables the vessel not only to transport liquefied CO₂, but also to safely carry a variety of liquefied gas cargoes such as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and ammonia (NH₃).

Eco-friendliness is enhanced through the installation of an Alternative Marine Power (AMP) system for shore power connection and a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system to reduce nitrogen oxides. In addition, Ice Class 1C design technology has been applied to improve safety during navigation in icy waters.

The newly launched vessel will undergo final outfitting and sea trials under the supervision of Capital Gas Ship Management Corp. and is scheduled for delivery by the end of this year.

According to UK-based shipbuilding and shipping research firm Clarksons Research, more than 6 gigatons (GT) of carbon must be captured and stored annually by 2050 to achieve carbon neutrality. Around 20% of this volume is expected to be transported by sea, creating demand for approximately 2,500 LCO₂ carriers.

An HD Hyundai representative said, “In addition to developing the world’s largest LCO₂ carrier, we are carrying out R&D on eco-friendly technologies to strengthen our future competitiveness in the shipbuilding and offshore sectors. Through continuous technological innovation, we aim to secure a leading position in the market and further solidify our status as a frontrunner in marine mobility.”