On September 15, 2026, Six companies, including Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK Line), Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE), Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL), Nihon Shipyard Co., Ltd. (NSY, a ship design and sales joint venture between Imabari Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. and Japan Marine United Corporation), Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., a part of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group, and MILES Co., Ltd. (a joint venture among related companies for the design of liquefied CO2 (LCO2) carriers and low-carbon fueled ships) have acquired Approval in Principle (AiP) for a low-pressure LCO2 carrier from the Japanese classification society Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK) following completion of a risk assessment for LCO2 handling operations. A ceremony to present the AiP was held on September 15 at Gastech 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand.
Demand for LCO2 carriers is expected to grow as a series of CCS (Carbon dioxide Capture and Storage) projects commence in Japan, requiring a means of transporting CO2 captured in Japan to storage sites. Based on a Memorandum of Understanding announced on December 1, 2025, the six companies have been advancing a standard design framework that utilizes MILES for LCO₂ carriers and alternative-fuel ships. Their goals include the stable domestic construction and supply of LCO2 carriers, the standardization of LCO2 carriers, and the establishment of a CCS value chain. This AiP marks the first concrete achievement through the MILES framework.
The six companies conducted a risk assessment (Hazard Identification Study “HAZID”) for LCO2 handling operations on a low-pressure 42,000m3 class LCO2 carrier, which is being standardized. The risk assessment drew on the extensive experience of “K” LINE, MOL, and NYK Line in low-pressure gas carrier operations to consider the risks unique to low-pressure LCO2. A design policy stressing safety was established based on the findings, leading to the acquisition of the AiP. This policy will be reflected in the standard design of LCO2 carriers and will serve as an important foundation for supporting CCS business development in Japan. A common design platform for a standard vessel is expected to provide workload savings and greater efficiency in design and construction going forward, strengthening construction capabilities.
The NYK Group is advancing the development of the CCS value chain, including the transportation of LCO₂, by leveraging its extensive expertise and technology in maritime transportation and safe operations cultivated over many years both in Japan and overseas, with the aim of realizing a carbon-neutral society.
The acquisition of AiP marks an important milestone toward the commercialization of LCO₂ carriers, whose standardization is being promoted to support the realization of CCS projects. It also represents a significant step forward in accelerating efforts to establish a viable CCS value chain.