Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL) and Mitsubishi Shipbuilding have received the world’s first approval in principle (AiP) from ClassNK for a dual-purpose liquefied CO₂ (LCO₂) / methanol carrier with its backers claiming the vessel design marks a significant leap toward a more efficient and circular carbon economy at sea. It is engineered to transport liquefied carbon dioxide on outbound voyages and synthetic methanol on return trips, eliminating the need for empty ballast voyages.
As interest in carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS) continues to grow, technologies that convert CO₂ into usable fuels—such as synthetic methanol—are gaining momentum. Methanol produced from captured CO₂ is emerging as a key candidate for future marine fuel, offering both emissions reduction and energy circularity.
The new carrier is based on a low-pressure LCO₂ carrier platform, adapted to meet the technical requirements for transporting both LCO₂ and methanol.
