KNCC ambient CO2 transportation solution receives DNV GASA

Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen, DNV Maritime CEO, presented the GASA to Svein Steimler, Chair of KNCC at Nor-Shipping on Friday 9 June.

The LCO2-Elevated Pressure “LCO2-EP” (formerly called PCO2) tank concept is based on a cylinder type CO2 containment system applying principles used in compressed natural gas (CNG) transportation. The concept aims to tackle the scaling challenge by transporting liquefied CO2 at medium-high (35-45 bar) pressure and temperatures in the range of 0-10°C. The CO2 is stored in bundles of vertically stacked small-diameter pressure cylinders, rather than large cylindrical tanks at low temperatures. The use of small diameter cylinders can mitigate the risk of pressure variations within the tubes, avoid dry-ice formation, and eliminate the sloshing effects of liquid CO2 in part or fully loaded condition.

“The LCO2-EP containment system is not new technology but based on the development of Pressurized Natural Gas (“PNG”) technology and gas pipeline designs which is already proven,” said Trygve Seglem, Owner and President of the Knutsen Group and Vice Chair of KNCC. “Transporting LCO2 in ambient mode will offer cheaper and less energy consuming solutions through the entire CCS value chain from capture to final storage. It also has great synergy for direct injection offshore from the LCO2 carriers as CO2 injection must be done at high pressure and supercritical phase of CO2.”

“CCS is one of the key solutions for the world to reach its climate goals and KNCC has been established to play an essential role in the CCS value chain,” said Svein Steimler, Chair of KNCC. “Obtaining the GASA from DNV is a huge milestone and step forward for KNCC now being able to provide technically and commercially viable LCO2 marine transportation according to significant demand on a global basis.”

“I am pleased KNCC has been making significant progress ever since its establishments in 2022 and appreciate the cooperation from all partners including DNV to achieve GASA,” Anders Lepsøe, CEO of KNCC. “Now with GASA in place we are opening up a new era of LCO2 designs which significantly strengthen the competitiveness of our offering of CO2 transportation. LCO2-EP containment system is one option but with support from both shareholders, NYKLine and Knusten Group we are also capable of offering middle pressure and low-pressure transportation service.”

The award of the GASA statement represents the next step along from the Approval in Principle (AIP) awarded to KNCC last year.