Over the past five years KANFA have had a productive partnership with MacGregor, a leading global specialist in ship-to-ship offloading solutions.
MacGregor is now developing a pioneering CO₂ ship-to-ship offloading solution, and as they have now done for several years, MacGregor are using our specialist engineering expertise to help them achieve their innovative goals.
This continuing collaboration shows how valuable long-term partnerships can be in solving and accelerating the development of missing links in the carbon capture, utilisation and storage value chain (CCUS).
The Challenge
Ship-to-ship transfer of CO2 is deceptively more difficult than transfer of LNG or LPG, due to the thermodynamic properties of CO2.
Market Context
CO₂ offloading is feasible using a loading arm when one side of the transfer is static. For many applications that is however not an option, as the transfer of CO2 happens between two floating units. Examples include transfer of CO2 from a CO2 carrier to a floating CO2 injection hub or offloading of CO2 from a floating production asset (FPSO/FLNG).
This requires safe solutions for hose-based ship-to-ship transfer of CO2.
Technical Complexity
Achieving this transfer is technically challenging due to the thermodynamic properties of CO2. In case of upset conditions requiring an emergency disconnect, the CO2 can quickly reach its boiling point, expands and creates dangerous pressure increases in the system. This means serious safety risks, from loss of containment to complete system failure.
To support their project, MacGregor has needed engineering assistance to:
- Thoroughly understand CO₂ behaviour during transfer under varying environmental conditions
- Design systems that are able to safely manage upset conditions
- Make sure their solution meets comprehensive safety standards
Our Solution and Approach
Specialist Engineering Expertise
On this project we at KANFA have provided specialist support across several areas:
- Offshore engineering
- Process engineering & Thermodynamics
- CO₂ systems behaviour and management
As well as our competency in these disciplines, our in-depth understanding of the CCUS value chain has allowed us to contextualise our work within the wider market requirements, and the operational realities MacGregor’s solution faces.
Working Collaborative Model
Our partnership focuses on direct engineer-to-engineer communication and eliminating hierarchical approval processes that slow decision-making. This enables:
- Fast problem-solving and iteration
- Clear, unfiltered technical communication
- Flexible adaptation to evolving requirements
Results and Impact
Technical Contributions
Our in-depth process and thermodynamic analysis has given MacGregor a thorough understanding of CO₂ behaviour during transfer, key design inputs for safe pressure management systems, and confidence that the solution operates safely in different environmental conditions.
Our contributions have had a direct impact, enabling MacGregor to advance their concept towards an innovative, market-ready solution that meets demanding safety standards.
Partnership Value
MacGregor continues to collaborate with us showing trust in our capabilities and our ability to evolve and respond to their needs and goals.
Broader Market Impact
Our work with MacGregor contributes to removing a critical bottleneck in CCUS infrastructure, advancing the scalability of carbon capture as a vital climate solution.
We Remain Committed
Our partnership with MacGregor shows how a sustained partnership can support real innovation and accelerate the development of critical clean energy infrastructure.
Our approach combines:
- Deep technical capabilities across offshore, process and thermodynamic engineering
- Comprehensive understanding of the CCUS value chain and market context
- Flexible, responsive collaboration that adapts to project requirements
- Long-term partnership mentality focused on client success
As MacGregor moves towards market deployment with their ship-to-ship CO₂ offloading solution, we at KANFA remain committed to supporting them every step of the way.