DNV awards GASA certificate to MOL, MISC, PETRONAS and SDARI for new LCO2 carrier design

Singapore, 23 July 2025 – DNV has awarded a General Approval for Ship Application (GASA) certificate to Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd., (MOL), MISC Berhad (MISC), PETRONAS CCS Ventures Sdn. Bhd. (PCCSV) and Shanghai Merchant Ship Design and Research Institute (SDARI), for their jointly-developed 62,000 cubic metres (cbm) liquid carbon dioxide (LCO2) carrier design. This milestone builds upon an Approval in Principle (AiP) awarded by DNV in 2023 and highlights the growing role of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) in Asia’s decarbonization efforts.

The vessel design includes several innovative features designed to enhance the long-haul transport of LCO2. A key part of the design is the cargo containment system, which utilizes advanced materials for greater safety and efficiency, and also includes a reliquefaction system for pressure and temperature regulation. Additional elements of the design include: an energy-saving propulsion system, optimised hull design, and LNG as fuel to boost fuel economy and environmental performance. 

CCS is gaining momentum as a promising solution to help countries transition to a low-carbon future across Asia Pacific. Several countries, including Malaysia, Australia, Japan, and Singapore, are investing in the development of infrastructure, launching projects, and forging cross-border partnerships to accelerate CCS deployment.

Daisuke Fujihashi, General Manager, Carbon Solutions Business Development Unit, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. Said: “The LCO₂ carrier is an indispensable component in building a cross-border CCS value chain across the Asia-Pacific region. This GASA certification awarded by DNV not only demonstrates the feasibility of safe and efficient CO2 transport but also marks a significant step forward in the transition toward a decarbonized society, backed by internationally recognized design credibility. At Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd., we regard the LCO₂ carrier not merely as a means of transportation, but as a vital “artery” for the social implementation of CCS. Moving forward, we will continue to work closely with our partner companies to contribute to the development of sustainable maritime transport infrastructure that supports global decarbonization efforts.”

Zahid Osman, President and Group CEO of MISC said: “As a critical enabler, LCO₂ carriers help address one of the biggest gaps in the CCS value chain, particularly when emitters lack access to nearby sequestration sites. By ensuring safe and efficient maritime transport and storage of CO₂, we play our part in managing societal emissions in a practical and scalable way. This aligns seamlessly with MISC’s long-term #deliveringProgress strategy, focusing on providing safe, efficient and reliable maritime solutions that meet the world’s evolving needs. We firmly believe that meaningful partnerships are key to turning shared ambitions into reality, and we thank DNV for this recognition as we work together towards a more sustainable future.”

Nor A’in Md Salleh, CEO of PETRONAS CCS Solutions, a wholly owned subsidiary of PCCSV, said on behalf of PCCSV: “Developing a scalable LCO₂ carrier design is essential to realizing the offering of cross-border CCS as a solution to the hard-to-abate industries in the region. This certification reflects our commitment to safe, efficient carbon transport aligned with broader decarbonization goals. DNV’s rigorous review and validation of the design have been instrumental in strengthening stakeholder confidence and accelerating progress toward a robust CCS value chain.”

Antony M Dsouza, Senior Vice President & Regional Manager, Southeast Asia, Pacific & India, Maritime at DNV, said: “LCO2 carriers are a vital link in the emerging CCS value chain, enabling the safe and efficient transport of captured carbon across borders. With storage and capture capacity expected to quadruple by 2030, scalable and reliable ship designs will be key to unlocking this growth. Through this collaboration, we are proud to bring together DNV’s technical expertise and our partners’ innovative drive to support the development of a robust carbon transport infrastructure for the region.”

The GASA presentation took place recently in Kuala Lumpur.

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