Mitsubishi Shipbuilding gains AiP for spherical CO2 tank

LCO2 carriers transport liquefied CO2 gas in cargo tanks in a low-temperature, high-pressure state, and independent Type C tanks are typically used for the cargo tank system of such vessels. Until now, various tank structures have been available, including cylindrical, bilobed and trilobed designs.

Now, Mitsubishi Shipbuilding has developed a spherical cargo tank system for LCO2 carriers, applying its advanced technologies in structural analysis and material evaluation cultivated through the design and construction of LNG carriers equipped with spherical tanks. Compared with cylindrical, bilobed and trilobed options, spherically shaped tanks offer greater structural strength against internal pressure of the tank.

The adoption of Mitsubishi Shipbuilding’s spherical cargo tank system is expected to further optimization of ship arrangement and enhance the economic performance of LCO2 carriers. ClassNK has already granted AiP for the design of an LCO2 carrier developed by Mitsubishi Shipbuilding and Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK Line).

With acquisition of the new AIP for its spherical cargo tank system for LCO2 carriers, going forward Mitsubishi Shipbuilding will more actively pursue the development of LCO2 carriers and related business as a marine system integrator. At the same time, the company will also dedicate its full resources to developing and providing technologies to respond flexibly to the diverse LCO2 carrier needs of the market to build a carbon capture and storage value chain.