Capital Clean Energy Takes Delivery Of World’s First 22,000 cbm Liquid CO₂ Carrier

Capital Clean Energy Carriers Corp. has taken delivery of the world’s first 22,000 cubic metre low-pressure liquid CO₂ carrier. The NASDAQ-listed shipowner confirmed that the vessel, Active, was delivered by Hyundai Mipo Dockyard in South Korea.

The ship is the first of four 22,000 cbm liquid CO₂ and multi-gas carriers ordered by the company as part of its fleet investment programme at the yard.

According to Capital Clean Energy, the Active has been designed to transport low-pressure liquid CO₂ while remaining fully competitive in the handy semi-refrigerated gas carrier segment.

The vessel is capable of carrying multiple cargoes, including liquid CO₂, LPG, ammonia and selected petrochemical products. This multi-cargo capability allows the ship to operate across different gas markets, offering flexibility as market conditions change.

The company pointed out that the current orderbook for handy semi-refrigerated gas carriers is relatively limited, which increases the value of vessels that can switch between cargoes.

Capital Clean Energy said the design of the Active and her sister ships provides optionality across market cycles while also supporting future demand for CO₂ transportation.

The vessel series has been developed with the growing carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) sector in mind. Data from the International Energy Agency’s CCUS Projects Database indicates that global CO₂ capture capacity could reach around 430 million tonnes per year by 2030, with storage capacity potentially rising to approximately 670 million tonnes per year.

At present, global capture capacity is estimated at about 50 million tonnes per year. As captured CO₂ volumes increase and storage sites become more closely linked with industrial centres, marine transport is expected to become an increasingly important part of the logistics chain.

Capital Clean Energy believes this combination of limited vessel supply, multi-cargo flexibility and rising demand for liquid CO₂ transportation places the company in a strong early position within a developing market segment.

The Active has already received industry recognition, having been named Ship of the Year at the Lloyd’s List Greek Shipping Awards 2025. The award jury cited the vessel’s role in advancing future carbon transportation solutions, as well as its tank technology and multi-cargo design.

Following delivery, the ship will enter service immediately under a six-month time charter transporting LPG for an energy trading company. The charter includes an option for a further six-month extension.

Capital Clean Energy said the acquisition of the vessel was financed through a combination of cash and debt. The company used $29.4 million in cash and secured a 12-year export credit agency-backed loan of $48.9 million.

The loan will be repaid in 48 quarterly instalments of $0.6 million, with a final balloon payment of $18.0 million due in January 2033.

The financing arrangement also allows for an additional borrowing of up to $7.5 million if the vessel secures longer-term employment.

Reference: globenewswire

Source: Maritime Shipping News