On March 7th, 2024, Capital Gas Ship Management Corp. celebrated a groundbreaking achievement with the keel laying ceremony of ‘Active,’ the world’s first multigas liquefied carbon dioxide (LCO₂) low-pressure carrier. This vessel, designed to transport up to 22,000 cubic meters of liquefied CO₂ at -55 degrees Celsius, represents a transformative step in maritime decarbonization and the shipping industry’s role in combating climate change.
This milestone underscores Capital Gas’s leadership in innovative, low-emission shipping solutions, particularly as global demand for CO₂ transportation grows due to the expansion of carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) projects. The ‘Active’ is part of a larger vision to create a sustainable maritime sector, leveraging cutting-edge technology to support the shift towards net-zero emissions.
The ‘Active’ is more than just a technological feat—it signals a shift in how shipping companies are adapting to the energy transition. Carbon capture and storage (CCS) has become a key tool in reducing industrial emissions, with major industries such as energy, cement, and steel ramping up efforts to capture CO₂ before it reaches the atmosphere. However, a major challenge in CCS projects has been the safe, large-scale transportation of captured CO₂ to storage or utilization sites.
The ‘Active’ directly addresses this gap by providing a dedicated CO₂ carrier that can efficiently transport liquefied CO₂ from industrial facilities to sequestration sites. This capability is critical as governments worldwide increase regulatory pressure on heavy-emitting industries and introduce carbon pricing mechanisms that make CCS an economically viable option.
Key Features of ‘Active':
1. Multigas Capability:
Unlike traditional CO₂ carriers, the ‘Active’ is designed for multi-purpose transportation of various gases, including:
- Liquefied CO₂ (LCO₂): Essential for carbon sequestration and utilization projects.
- Ammonia (NH₃): A potential zero-carbon fuel and key component in the energy transition.
- Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG): A widely used energy source.
This versatility makes the vessel a highly adaptable asset that can serve multiple markets, allowing Capital Gas to future-proof its investment as demand shifts between different energy carriers.
2. Decarbonization-Ready Design:
- The ‘Active’ is not only a low-carbon transport solution but is also designed for future fuels, ensuring that it remains aligned with upcoming IMO decarbonization targets.
- It features energy-saving devices to optimize fuel consumption and alternative propulsion readiness, including:
- Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) compatibility to reduce CO₂ emissions.
- Carbon capture and storage (CCS) integration to capture onboard emissions.
- AMP (cold ironing) readiness to minimize emissions in port.
3. Strengthening Global CO₂ Transport Networks:
- With CCS projects expanding globally, the demand for safe, large-volume CO₂ shipping solutions is increasing.
- The ‘Active’ represents a major step toward scaling up CO₂ transport infrastructure, which is necessary for meeting global climate targets such as those set by the Paris Agreement.
As industries push for deep decarbonization, the market for CO₂ shipping is projected to grow significantly. Unlike traditional gas carriers, CO₂ carriers require specialized tanks and refrigeration technology to maintain CO₂ in a stable liquid state. Until now, the shipping industry has lacked large-scale solutions to transport CO₂ efficiently, but Capital Gas is stepping in to fill this void. The company’s strategic move into this sector aligns with:
- The EU Emissions Trading System (ETS), which now includes maritime emissions.
- Increased carbon capture adoption in Asia, Europe, and North America.
- New decarbonization policies that push for rapid CO₂ removal solutions.
With its high-capacity design and multi-fuel capabilities, the ‘Active’ is positioned to become a crucial link in the global CO₂ supply chain. Capital Gas Ship Management Corp. has established itself as a leader in energy-efficient, next-generation vessels. The ‘Active’ is part of a broader company strategy to:
- Advance CO₂ transportation technology in response to rising global demand.
- Develop sustainable shipping solutions to comply with evolving international regulations.
- Expand its influence in the low-carbon energy supply chain, positioning itself as a key player in both the shipping and environmental sectors.
The keel-laying ceremony of the ‘Active’ is a defining moment in the maritime industry’s transition to a low-carbon future. By pioneering multigas, low-pressure CO₂ transportation, Capital Gas is not only reinforcing its commitment to sustainability but also creating a new market segment in shipping.
As the global push for carbon neutrality accelerates, vessels like the ‘Active’ will be vital assets in supporting industries that seek to decarbonize operations while meeting environmental targets. This project signals the beginning of a new era in CO₂ shipping—one where innovation, regulatory alignment, and commercial viability converge to shape the next phase of sustainable maritime transportation.
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