Image Credits - The Maritime Executive
South Korea has embarked on a pioneering venture with the commencement of construction on the world’s first large-scale liquid carbon dioxide (LCO2) carriers. This ambitious project, led by major South Korean shipbuilding firms, marks a significant milestone in the global effort to combat climate change by advancing carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies.
The new LCO2 carriers are designed to transport carbon dioxide captured from industrial processes to storage sites, where it can be sequestered safely. Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) and Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) are at the forefront of this project, with the carriers being constructed at their state-of-the-art shipyards. These vessels, once completed, will be among the largest of their kind, capable of holding up to 40,000 cubic meters of liquid carbon dioxide.
The initiative is part of South Korea’s broader strategy to position itself as a leader in the global CCS market. By investing in the development of these specialized vessels, the country aims to support the international community’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and meet climate targets set by agreements such as the Paris Accord. The carriers will play a crucial role in the transportation phase of CCS, enabling the safe and efficient movement of captured CO2 from emission sources to storage facilities, which are often located far offshore.
In addition to their environmental significance, these vessels are expected to bolster South Korea’s shipbuilding industry, which has long been a cornerstone of the nation’s economy. The project has already attracted interest from global energy companies and governments eager to explore the potential of CCS in their carbon reduction strategies.
The first of these carriers is expected to be completed by 2025, with more vessels to follow as demand for CCS technology grows. South Korea’s investment in LCO2 carriers underscores the country’s commitment to innovation and sustainability in the maritime and energy sectors.