HD Hyundai Mipo Dockyard Starts Construction of Pioneer LCO2 Carrier

HD Hyundai Mipo Dockyard, an affiliated shipbuilding of HD Hyundai, has announced that it has started the construction of historical Liquid Carbon Dioxide (LC02) carrier, which is a first-of-its-kind milestone for Korean shipbuilding Industry.

HD Hyundai Mipo Dockyard has commenced construction of a 22,000-cubic-meter LCO2 carrier with a groundbreaking ceremony at its headquarters in Ulsan, Korea. LCO2 carriers are designed to transport carbon dioxide captured from the atmosphere by liquefying it, and they require advanced technology to maintain constant tank pressure for stable storage. This vessel, the first of four ordered by Greece's Capital Maritime Group between July last year and January this year, is the largest LCO2 carrier ever globally ordered, according to HD Hyundai.

The ship measures 159.9 meters in length, 27.4 meters in width, and 17.8 meters in height, and is designed to withstand icy conditions, allowing it to operate safely in cold, frozen seas. It will be equipped with three bi-lobe carbon dioxide storage tanks that maintain a stable environment of minus 55 degrees Celsius and five times atmospheric pressure. Besides carrying carbon dioxide, the vessel is also capable of transporting other liquefied gases, such as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and ammonia (NH3).

To enhance environmental performance, the vessel will be fitted with a 2,500-kilowatt (kW) alternative maritime power (AMP) system and a sulfur oxide reduction system (SCR). These features will help reduce air pollutant emissions, including fine dust and sulfur oxides, and provide the option for future modifications to enable ammonia-powered operations.

HD Hyundai Mipo Dockyard aims to construct all four LCO2 carriers in sequence, with deliveries planned between November 2025 and the latter half of 2026.

HD Hyundai is a prominent South Korean conglomerate focusing on shipbuilding, heavy equipment, machinery, and the petroleum sector. Founded in 1972 in a small village in Ulsan, South Korea, the company has evolved into a global leader in heavy industries. HD Hyundai is a key player in the heavy industries and energy sectors, with expertise spanning shipbuilding, marine engineering, oil refining, petrochemicals, and smart energy management. HD Hyundai oversees three primary business sectors—shipbuilding, heavy equipment, and energy—through its subsidiaries HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering, HD Hyundai XiteSolution, and HD Hyundai Oilbank. HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering is a sub-holding company overseeing the group's shipbuilding divisions, which include HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, HD Hyundai Samho, and HD Hyundai Mipo.

HD Hyundai Group's marine division encompasses a range of specialized companies and subsidiaries. Key entities within this sector include HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering, which oversees the group’s shipbuilding activities, and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, a major player in the industry. Other significant subsidiaries are HD Hyundai Mipo and HD Hyundai Samho, known for their advanced shipbuilding capabilities. Additionally, HD Hyundai Marine Solution focuses on marine technology, while HD Hyundai Engineering & Technology contributes engineering expertise. Avikus, another important component, enhances the group’s innovation in marine solutions.