Wärtsilä and WinGD Secure Long-Term Support Agreements for TMS Cardiff Gas Fleet

Swiss marine power company WinGD and Finnish technology group Wärtsilä have signed significant service agreements with Greece-based operator TMS Cardiff Gas, aimed at supporting the operational reliability of the company's expanding liquefied natural gas carrier (LNGC) fleet. These agreements come as the global demand for LNG continues to rise, necessitating reliable and efficient vessel operations.

Wärtsilä's Five-Year Service Agreement

Wärtsilä has entered into a five-year service agreement with TMS Cardiff Gas to support the operation of two newly delivered LNG carriers, the Al Thurayya and Al Majhoulah. The agreement, booked in Q3 2026, is designed to maximise vessel availability and operational reliability through optimised maintenance planning, expert support, and predictive maintenance services. According to Hellenic Shipping News, the vessels are equipped with two WinGD 5X72DF two-stroke main engines, four Wärtsilä 34DF auxiliary engines, and Wärtsilä gas valve units.

Wärtsilä's Dynamic Maintenance Planning service offers flexible maintenance scheduling, extended maintenance intervals, and reduced spare parts consumption. The arrangement also includes 24/7 remote operational support and the Expert Insight predictive maintenance solution, which uses real-time operational data to identify potential issues before they arise, ensuring optimal vessel performance.

WinGD's Global Service Agreement

WinGD has secured a long-term engine service agreement covering three newbuild LNG carriers operated by TMS Cardiff Gas. The three vessels, built by HD Hyundai Samho in South Korea, are each equipped with two of WinGD’s 5X72DF dual-fuel engines. The agreement, as reported by Hellenic Shipping News, provides direct access to WinGD's engine designer expertise and a global service network from the beginning of the vessels' operational lives.

WinGD’s Global Service package includes spare parts for scheduled maintenance, technical labour, workshop services, advisory support, and remote monitoring using the company's WiDE platform. This comprehensive approach ensures that the vessels receive continuous support wherever they operate, enhancing their reliability and efficiency throughout their operational life.

Strengthening Existing Relationships

These agreements build on existing relationships between Wärtsilä and TMS Cardiff Gas, following the renewal in 2025 of an agreement covering seven vessels in the company’s fleet. Alexandros Politis-Kalenteris, Deputy COO of TMS Cardiff Gas, highlighted the importance of reliability in the growing LNG market. "As vessel operations become increasingly complex, the combination of technology, high-quality spare parts support, and expert services is crucial for maintaining reliable and efficient operations," he stated.

Jürgen Gerdes, General Manager of Global Service Sales at WinGD, emphasised the importance of long-term relationships with Greek owners and operators. "WinGD's lifecycle support is essential for the continued performance and profitability of these vessels," Gerdes noted.

Operational Benefits and Future Prospects

The service agreements signed by Wärtsilä and WinGD underscore the growing importance of lifecycle support in the LNG shipping industry. As the demand for LNG continues to increase, vessel operators face mounting pressure to maintain high levels of reliability and efficiency. The agreements ensure that TMS Cardiff Gas can optimise maintenance activities and minimise unplanned downtime, thereby securing the long-term performance of critical onboard assets.

These partnerships also pave the way for future collaborations, as both Wärtsilä and WinGD continue to expand their global service networks to support the growing fleet of LNG carriers.

What This Means for Operators

The agreements between Wärtsilä and WinGD with TMS Cardiff Gas signify a strategic approach to ensuring operational reliability and efficiency in the face of growing global demand for LNG. For operators, these agreements offer peace of mind through comprehensive lifecycle support, predictive maintenance, and expert technical assistance. This reduces the risk of unplanned downtime and enhances vessel performance, making the newbuild LNG carriers more competitive in the international market.

Moreover, the agreements reflect the industry's trend towards integrated and long-term service solutions, which will likely become more prevalent as LNG trade continues to expand.