Wärtsilä develops solution for transporting captured carbon

Written by Nick Blenkey
Liquified carbon dioxide transporter

Wärtsilä has been working on how to transport carbon that's been captured. [Image: Wärtsilä]

Capturing and storing CO2 is an important strategy in efforts to reduce global CO2 emissions. But how do you get the captured carbon to where you store it? Wärtsilä has been working on one part of the solution and has conducted a study on the systems and solutions required for liquid CO2 carrier (LCO2) vessels.

Wärtsilä Gas Solutions has developed a cargo tank design suitable for LCO2 applications, that was recently awarded Approval in Principle (AiP) by the classification society DNV.

As new LCO2 carriers are an emerging concept and require detailed attention during conceptual level, Wärtsilä’s experience and know-how in gas cargo and handling systems proved invaluable.

The total cargo capacity of the vessels is 7,500 cubic meters, divided into two containment tanks, each of 3,750 cu.m. Wärtsilä has carried out an intensive engineering analysis to formulate an optimum design for the vessels’ containment system and cargo handling systems, bearing in mind the specific nature of LCO2.

“Liquid CO2 is increasingly relevant in global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote a greener future,” says Pål Steinnes. GM Sales, Wärtsilä Gas Solutions. “It represents an important link in the value chain for the entire carbon capture infrastructure. In developing a robust and proven concept, both in the cargo containment and cargo handling requirements for LCO2 Carriers, we have drawn on our unparalleled experience in gas carrier segments. The AiP from DNV is a valuable endorsement of this work.”

“We have been pleased to work with Wärtsilä Gas Solutions on this reliable design concept,” says Monika Johannesen, Head of Department, Gas Carrier Excellence Center at DNV. “The review process has been extensive, and we trust that their solution will contribute to facilitating the trade in liquid CO2 as a factor in reducing emissions.”

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