Malaysian floater and vessel contractor Bumi Armada has developed a design for a floating carbon storage and injection unit (FCSIU).
The FCSIU concept, approved in principle by the class society ABS, is a floating terminal capable of storing and injecting liquified carbon dioxide (LCO2) into depleted oil and gas fields or aquifers.
The new concept incorporates the ability to accept LCO2 deliveries in an offshore setting, the flexibility to manage LCO2 at low or medium pressure, the provision of LCO2 buffer storage and the preparation of LCO2 for permanent storage under the seabed.
In June, Bumi teamed up with New York-listed handysize gas carrier owner and operator Navigator Holding to form a CO2 shipping and injection solutions joint venture company in the UK.
The partnership, subject to a definitive joint venture deal and expected by the end of the fourth quarter, will look to design and implement a value chain of shuttle tankers delivering LCO2 to the FCSIU.
Initial talks have already been held with a number of emitters and if successful, the first shipment of CO2 could take place three years after taking the final investment decision, the partners said in June.
ABS said its approval in principle is applicable to either a newbuild or a converted donor carrier, with smaller tanks to optimise the cargo space layout.
“Carbon capture and reinjection in depleted fields is a promising technology for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and it is likely that this process will become more widespread and play an increasingly important role in the transition to a low-carbon economy,” said John McDonald, ABS president and chief operating officer.
