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The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) has recently awarded an Approval in Principle (AIP) to Modec Inc. for a groundbreaking offshore liquefied CO2 (LCO2) floating storage and injection unit (FSIU). Developed in collaboration with Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, this innovative design is poised to transform the landscape of carbon sequestration by allowing for direct offshore injection, thereby eliminating the need for onshore facilities.

The FSIU is engineered to handle a remarkable capacity of up to 10 million tonnes of CO2 annually, supported by a minimum storage capacity of 100,000 cubic meters. This unit receives low-pressure LCO2 from carriers, pressurizes it for safe storage, and facilitates injection into subsea wells for permanent containment. Its dual loading capabilities—tandem at the aft and simultaneous side-by-side at midship—enable continuous operations, even in challenging maritime environments.

At the forefront of sustainable technology, the FSIU integrates diesel generators equipped with carbon capture systems to minimize operational emissions. According to Miguel Hernandez, ABS Senior Vice President, the unit exemplifies the importance of advanced carbon capture technologies in meeting international climate goals. The International Energy Agency predicts that global carbon capture capacity could reach 435 million tonnes per year by 2030, underscoring the significance of such offshore solutions in achieving these targets.

Modec’s approach draws on its extensive experience with floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) systems, ensuring that the components of the FSIU are tried and tested in maritime operations. The collaboration with Mitsui O.S.K. Lines enhances the integration of maritime transport within the carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) chain, facilitating a seamless operational flow.

With aspirations to reduce costs to approximately $5 per tonne of CO2 managed, Modec's innovative design positions itself as a viable option in the evolving field of carbon management. As the industry pushes forward, the FSIU stands as a promising advancement in the quest for efficient and safe carbon sequestration methods, marking a significant step toward a more sustainable future.