TMC supplies marine compressed air systems to Maersk's newbuilds

TMC Compressors has been chosen by A.P. Moller – Maersk to supply marine compressed air systems for eight 18,600 TEU dual-fuel container vessels under construction at the Chinese shipyard New Times Shipbuilding Co., Ltd.

Technical Details and Deliveries

Each of the eight ships will be equipped with a complete marine compressed air system from TMC. The systems include compressors for both control and service air on board, as outlined in TMC’s official statement to ship.energy. These vessels are scheduled for delivery between 2029 and 2030.

Maersk's newbuildings will be capable of operating on either conventional bunker fuel or liquified gas. This dual-fuel capability is a key feature in the transition to more sustainable shipping practices, as noted by Hans-Petter Tanum, TMC’s director of sales and business development, who expressed his satisfaction at being involved with these large and impressive vessels.

Background on the Order

The confirmation of orders for 26 large container ships was made public by Maersk in a statement released to Splash 247. The order, which includes eight 18,600 TEU vessels under construction at New Times Shipbuilding, represents the first concrete details in what had been speculation over a major fleet expansion programme. Maersk’s renewed activity comes after years of relatively restrained ordering, during which competitors like MSC and CMA CGM expanded aggressively.

According to TradeWinds, two shipyards in China will build the series of LNG dual-fuelled 18,600 TEU newbuildings. While specific details about the shipyards have not been revealed by Maersk, it is known that New Times Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. is one of them.

Environmental Considerations and Technical Solutions

The vessels are being designed with enhanced energy efficiency in mind, a priority for the maritime industry as it transitions to lower emissions. TMC’s Tanum emphasized the company's commitment to supporting this development through their energy-efficient compressors. The 366-meter-long ships will be delivered at approximately 18,600 TEU capacity and are notably more compact than current maximum container vessel lengths of 400 meters.

TMC designs its compressors exclusively for marine and offshore use, with the company headquartered in Oslo, Norway. The choice of TMC’s technology underscores their reputation in providing reliable and efficient solutions for the maritime sector.

What this means for Operators

The newbuilds will significantly enhance Maersk's fleet capacity, adding another 483,600 TEU to its current operated fleet of around 4.73 million TEU as reported by Alphaliner. This expansion is expected to improve operational flexibility and reduce reliance on single-source fuel supplies, aligning with Maersk’s broader strategic goals in sustainability.

For operators, the dual-fuel capability of these vessels presents opportunities for cost reduction through the use of cheaper LNG when available. However, it also introduces complexity in managing fuel supply logistics and potentially increasing operational costs due to higher maintenance requirements associated with dual-fuel engines.