LIQUID CO2 MARINE TRANSPORT MILESTONE

A well-known partnership between Voestalpine Grobblech, the benchmark in innovation of heavy plate products, and Gas and Heat, a visionary liquefied gas cargo tanks and handling systems designer and manufacturer known for its expertise and the drive for new challenges, is writing the future of Liquid CO₂ transport. This collaboration has redefined the landscape of liquid CO₂ marine transport by its successful field welding qualifications of an advanced thermomecanically rolled Carbon-Steel steel. This new material, developed by Voestalpine Grobblech, known as F550 TMCP toughcore, holds the potential to revolutionize the future of liquid CO₂ transportation.

The transition from conventional nickel steel to the innovative Carbon-Steel steel presents a paradigm shift eagerly anticipated by industry stakeholders and experts. The cost-effectiveness, combined with superior weldability and enhanced safety features, presents an unprecedented opportunity to revolutionize the Liquid CO₂ marine transport sector. This advancement aligns with global sustainability goals, propelling Liquid CO₂ marine transport operations into a new level of efficiency and safety.

The long-lasting collaboration between Voestalpine Grobblech and Gas and Heat has proven once more to be successful and reliable. In preparation for upcoming Liquid CO₂ vessel projects in Europe, the challenge was set to prove the properties of the F550 TMCP toughcore material tested with working parameters as per manufacturing conditions.

The tests were performed by Gas and Heat following the MSC.1/Circ.1622 Guidelines for the acceptance of alternative metallic materials for cryogenic service in ships carrying liquefied gases in bulk and ships using gases or other low flashpoint fuels.

Gas and Heat has performed welding procedures that valued the properties of the F550TMCP tough. The outcomes of these tests, complied with the strict CTOD requirements of the guideline, have confirmed and even exceeded expectations, marking a significant advancement in the liquid CO2 marine transport sector.

Especially for the GMAW procedures Charpy Impact values of 61J average on weld material and fusion line as well as 75J for fusion line +2 @-60°C and outstanding CTOD results of minimum 0.40mm @-35°C design temperature was achieved by Gas and Heat using Union Ni 1 MoCr by Böhler Welding and GMAW welding technology.

“Gas and Heat has demonstrated outstanding welding qualification results, confirming the capabilities of our F550 TMCP toughcore material. This achievement underlines our joint commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation and excellence in the domain of Liquid CO₂ marine transport in order to help meet the global sustainability targets.'” Myriam Cejudo, Sales Manager Voestalpine Grobblech.

This welding qualification breakthrough not only redefines the possibilities within the liquid CO₂ marine transport sector but also drives it towards a safer, more efficient, and sustainable future. In order to be aligned with the market needs and deliver solutions that overcome the sector challenges, the next step for Gas and Heat will be to produce welding procedures.