Approval in Principle (AiP) Acquired for Standard Low-Pressure Liquefied CO₂ Carrier toward Realization of CCS Business in Japan
-- First Successful Result for a Standard Design Framework Utilizing MILES --

2026-09-15
Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE)
Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL)
Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK Line)
Nihon Shipyard Co., Ltd. (NSY)
MILES Co., Ltd.
Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd.

 

• AiP acquired after completing risk assessment of CO₂ handling operations specific to low-pressure liquefied CO₂ carriers and establishing a safety-focused design policy
• Utilizes the MILES-based standard design framework to ensure stable construction and supply of liquefied CO₂ carriers in Japan while improving economic efficiency
   

Tokyo, September 15, 2026 – Six companies, including Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE), Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL), Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK Line), 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)*¹ 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*² 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”)*³ 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.

 

“K” LINE group is promoting a variety of initiatives to support the decarbonization of its own operations and society in accordance with its long-term environmental policy, ““K” LINE Environmental Vision 2050”.
In the field of CCS, “K” LINE has accumulated extensive expertise through pioneering liquefied CO₂ transportation projects, including the provision of three liquefied CO₂ carriers to Northern Lights, which is developing the world's first full-scale CCS value chain, followed by construction and charter agreement of two additional vessels.
Building on these efforts, “K” LINE will continue to contribute to the development of the CCS value chain not only through liquefied CO₂ transportation but also through any related new technologies including Floating Storage and Injection Units (FSIU).