Media Release: Completion of Phase 1 R&D for safe and efficient industrial-scale CO2 shipping

April 9, 2025

FEnEx CRC’s Phase 1 work on storing and handling low-pressure and low temperature (“LP”) conditions liquid CO2 has finished with valuable knowledge gained to inform design and operation of LP liquid CO2 ships and CCUS projects. No technical showstoppers caused by LP conditions were identified FEnEx CRC has publicly released a summary report on its Phase 1 work.

Future Energy Exports CRC Limited (“FEnEx CRC”) successfully completed Phase 1 of its “LP Technology R&D Project” to demonstrate the technical feasibility and operability of low-pressure and low temperature (“LP”)[1] solutions for the bulk transport of CO₂ by ships.

Phase 1 involved laboratory experiments and dynamic simulations studying the behaviour and boil off characteristics of LP liquid CO₂ under dynamic operating conditions and the impact of various impurities.

This work was led by the FEnEx CRC and co-executed by The University of Western Australia, Seoul National University and deepC Store Pty Ltd.  Feedback throughout the course of this work was provided by the project participants ENEOS Xplora Inc. (formerly known as JX Nippon Oil & Gas Exploration Corporation), Low Emission Technology Australia, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. and Osaka Gas.

No technical showstoppers caused by the use of LP conditions were identified by the project. Phase 1 produced valuable knowledge about equation of state, solidification scenarios, boil off gas rates and compositions, and impact of non-CO₂ components which may be present as impurities. This knowledge supports the technical feasibility of LP conditions and can inform the design and operation of LP liquid CO₂ ships and Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (“CCUS’) projects. Some recommendations from Phase 1 involve the conduct of various pilot-scale demonstrations at LP liquid CO₂ operational conditions. FEnEx CRC aims to carry these out in a future Phase 2 project for reinforcing the viability of LP conditions and revealing insights that demonstrate the technical feasibility and operability of LP liquid CO₂ ships and CCUS projects.

For full detail of the Phase 1 R&D work, see link.

Comment from FEnEx CRC Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Professor Eric May

“Australia has a unique opportunity to take a leadership role in developing industrial-scale CO₂ transport. Our Phase 1 success and further research in this area will help maximise economic opportunities for Australia as well as forge increased international collaboration and cooperation vital to progressing our decarbonisation goals.”

For further details please contact

FEnEx CRC Managing Director and CEO, Eric May – Eric.May@fenex.org.au

[1] Transporting liquid CO₂ at LP condition (approximately 7 bar, -49°C) is considered as one of the best options to significantly reduce costs for long-distance CO₂ transportation. However, there is a limited industry track record of liquid CO₂ ship transportation under LP conditions. Therefore, it is necessary to address operational risks and enhance the likelihood of technical feasibility via research and demonstration projects.