Recently, Norway’s leading ship design company, Brevik Engineering, disclosed the world’s most efficient 50,000 cubic meter low-pressure liquid carbon dioxide (LCO2) carrier design.
This innovative concept integrates cutting-edge technology and intelligent engineering. Its aerodynamically optimized hull and superstructure significantly reduce wind resistance, while incorporating a wind-assisted propulsion system that further enhances fuel efficiency. Most notably, the newly designed cargo tanks are constructed using F460 TMCP toughcore® high-strength, high-toughness steel from voestalpine Grobblech GmbH, achieving new breakthroughs in size, strength, and sustainability.
The vessel is specifically designed for low-emission voyages and optimized for slow steaming, setting a new benchmark for highly efficient carbon dioxide transport.
The new ship design can transport 50,000 cubic meters of liquid carbon dioxide at minus 55 degrees Celsius, featuring 8 cylindrical tanks within the hull. This is made possible by the use of F460 TMCP toughcore® steel, a high-strength thermomechanically rolled steel with exceptional fracture toughness suitable for low-temperature environments.
Gisle Nysaeter, Senior Principal Engineer at Brevik Engineering, explained: “By leveraging the excellent material properties of the newly developed F460 TMCP toughcore®—a combination of high strength and superior toughness—we were able to maximize the tank diameter to 15.8 meters and optimize the design for low-pressure operation at 8.5 bar. The material from voestalpine Grobblech is the most cost-effective alternative we have found for low-pressure CO2 applications.”
F460 TMCP toughcore® was designed with low-temperature challenges in mind, enabling the construction of larger and lighter low-pressure tanks. This advantage directly translates to lower operating costs and enhanced vessel performance.
Myriam Cejudo, Sales Manager at voestalpine Grobblech GmbH, stated: “This specific ship design combines the most modern technologies available, making it the most efficient low-pressure LCO2 carrier design on the market. The choice of F460 TMCP toughcore® fully demonstrates its distinct advantages for designers and shipyards. With its enhanced tensile strength and excellent low-temperature performance, this material allows for the design and construction of the largest low-pressure LCO2 cargo tanks available on the market. We are proud to collaborate with Brevik Engineering.”
This steel has passed rigorous testing at CVN minus 85 degrees Celsius and CTOD minus 55 degrees Celsius design temperatures, demonstrating an excellent safety margin. Equally important, matching welding materials are readily available on the market, ensuring a smooth manufacturing process.
The collaboration between Brevik Engineering and voestalpine Grobblech highlights how advanced ship design, next-generation propulsion, and innovative materials can synergistically drive the development of the carbon capture and transport industry without compromising performance, safety, or sustainability.
