Exmar and Lattice Technology have signed an agreement to jointly work on the development of a new type of CO₂-carrier. The joint venture allows the two companies to combine their individual expertise, Exmar as a leading player in the design, ownership and operation of innovative and efficient gas carriers and Lattice Technology in creating innovative tank designs for CO₂ transport.
With the global need to decarbonize the atmosphere and our world economy heavily relying on a secure energy supply, one of the promising fast-track solutions to cover both opportunities is Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage (CCUS). To achieve sustainable CCUS projects, there will be a need to transport CO₂ in an economical way and on a very large scale.
Exmar and Lattice Technology have signed a joint development agreement for the design of a 40,500 m³ CO₂ carrier, which is also suitable for LPG and Ammonia transportation. The Joint Development Company will combine Lattice’s innovative and efficient tank design for CO₂ transport together with Exmar’s strong knowledge and experience in design and operation of innovative and efficient gas carriers.
A study proved that the patented Lattice tank design, Lattice Pressure Vessel (LPV), provides the best solution for large-scale CO₂ transportation at low and medium pressures. The design and vessel size can be adjusted to meet all required transport volumes to ensure the most optimal logistical solution in the most cost-competitive way.
The initial concept is a 195m long Panamax beam vessel with a cargo capacity of 40,500 m³. Such a vessel will be tailored to support CCUS projects with capacities ranging from 2 to 10 MTPA. Additionally, a 3,000 m3 storage capacity for low CO₂ emitting fuels like LPG Ammonia or LNG has been foreseen.
The patented tank design will also provide the best storage solution for offshore CO₂ liquefaction or re-injection projects. The robust pressurised storage tanks can be made in an efficient shape fitting the ship hull and allowing for large storage capacity. An additional benefit for offshore storage is that the LPV design prevents sloshing problems even in the harshest environments.
With their experience in Floating Gas Infrastructure Solutions, Exmar will be the ideal partner for such developments. Jens Ismar, Executive Director Shipping at Exmar, said, “We are very pleased and excited about this joint venture with Lattice as we strongly believe CCUS will be a major contributor in our efforts to decarbonize the atmosphere. We believe the Lattice tanks provides the most flexible and economical way to accomplish this”.
Keunoh Park, CEO of Lattice Technology underscored the positive cooperation with Exmar and said, “This project provides an excellent opportunity to demonstrate that the LPV technology will be a key enabler in making shipping greener with lower emissions and by providing important infrastructure for transporting and dealing with CO₂”.