Oct 28, 2026
KNCC Secures CLIMIT Funding from Gassnova for Onboard Demonstration of LCO₂-EP Cargo Tank Technology
Haugesund, Norway – Knutsen NYK Carbon Carriers AS ("KNCC") is pleased to announce that it has been awarded funding of up to NOK 4.77 million from Gassnova through the CLIMIT Program for the onboard demonstration of its proprietary LCO₂-EP (Liquefied Carbon Dioxide Elevated Pressure) cargo tank technology.
The funding application was submitted in collaboration with key industry partners, including Nantong Siying Marine Engineering Co., Ltd. and Baoshan Iron & Steel Co., Ltd. (Baosteel).
This award marks an important milestone in the commercialization of KNCC's innovative CO₂ shipping solution and supports the next phase of technology validation in a real operating marine environment.
Advancing Commercial Readiness for CCS Industry
Building on the success of KNCC's onshore demonstration program ( KNCC: New CO₂ transport technology - Climit), completed in 2023 with support from Gassnova’ s CLIMIT Program, the onboard demonstration represents a critical step to de-risk the adoption of the LCO₂-EP transportation concept within the carbon capture and storage (CCS) value chain.
The project will provide, emitters, storage operators, regulators, classification societies, and other stakeholders with direct operational evidence of the technology's safety, reliability, and performance under real maritime conditions.
Design and construction of the onboard demonstration skid have already commenced. Installation onboard the selected vessel is scheduled for Q1 2027, with commissioning and operational testing expected to begin in Q2 2027.
Key Project Objectives
The onboard demonstration project has been established with three primary objectives:
Demonstrate the production of a full-scale diameter LCO₂-EP cargo tank.
Obtain classification society approval for marine onboard application.
Demonstrate safe and successful onboard operation of the LCO₂-EP cargo tank system under real-life operating conditions.
Successful completion of these objectives will validate both the technical robustness and operational practicality of the LCO₂-EP concept, helping accelerate wider industry adoption and supporting the development of cost-efficient CO₂ transportation infrastructure.
3D Image of LCO2-EP cargo tank skid for onboard demonstration.
"Receiving support from Gassnova through the CLIMIT Program is a strong endorsement of the importance and potential of this technology," said Oliver Hagen-Smith, CEO of KNCC. " This onboard demonstration will allow us to validate the performance of our cargo tank solution in real-world marine operations while advancing the regulatory and classification approvals required for commercial deployment. We believe this project will play a key role in enabling more efficient and cost-effective CO₂ transportation for the growing CCS industry."
About KNCC and its’ LCO2-EP Technology:
Knutsen NYK Carbon Carriers AS (“KNCC”) is a joint venture between Knutsen Group of Norway and NYK Line of Japan, established as the dedicated platform for the development and execution of liquefied CO₂ (LCO₂) marine transportation solutions on behalf of both shareholders. In addition to offering medium‑pressure (MP) and low‑pressure (LP) transport, KNCC owns proprietary technology for handling LCO₂ at ambient temperature and elevated pressure (“LCO₂‑EP”). By reducing energy requirements for both CO₂ cooling and liquefaction, as well as for heating and pressurization prior to reservoir injection, the LCO₂‑EP solution is expected to lower both carbon footprint and total costs across the CCS value chain. Website: https://www.kn-cc.com/
About Gassnova
Gassnova SF is the Norwegian state enterprise responsible for managing the Norwegian government's interests in carbon capture and storage (CCS). Gassnova administers public funding programs and initiatives aimed at accelerating the development and deployment of CCS technologies and value chains.
About CLIMIT Program
CLIMIT is Norway's national research, development, and demonstration program for carbon capture, transport, and storage technologies. The program supports innovation and technology development that can contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and advancing commercially viable CCS solutions.
About Baoshan Iron &Steel Co.,Ltd.
Baoshan Iron & Steel Co., Ltd. (Baosteel) is one of China's leading steel manufacturers and a core subsidiary of China Baowu Steel Group, the world's largest steel producer. The company provides a comprehensive range of advanced steel products for industries including shipbuilding, energy, transportation, engineering, automotive, and infrastructure. With a strong focus on technology innovation, product quality, and sustainable development, Baosteel is recognized as a leading supplier of high-performance steel solutions supporting major industrial and maritime projects worldwide.
About Nantong Siying Marine Engineering Co.,Ltd
Nantong Siying Marine Engineering Co., Ltd. boasts over 30 years of industry experience in advanced shipboard equipments, oil & gas modules, merchant vessels and offshore energy assets.
Siying Marine delivers comprehensive capabilities across engineering, fabrication, construction, installation and commissioning to serve the global shipping and offshore industry. Its proven track record demonstrates pursuit of safety, product quality, technological innovation and high standard operational performance.
