Maersk’s green methanol containership sextet to feature TMC’s compressors

Oslo-headquartered TMC Compressors has clinched a contract with China’s Yangzijiang Shipbuilding Group to deliver its ‘energy efficient’ compressed air systems to six eco-friendly 9,000 TEU boxships being constructed for Denmark’s A.P. Møller – Mærsk.

As explained, under the contract, TMC Compressors will supply a marine compressed air system based on its Smart Air compressors, which are said to offer up to 40% energy savings compared to ‘conventional’ ones. The system will reportedly comprise control and service air compressors.

According to TMC, the Smart Air compressors are based on a frequency-controlled technology that offers ‘precise’ sway over the compressor speed.

Put simply, TMC elaborated, the speed of the electrical motor will adjust itself according to what is necessary to produce the ‘exact’ air volume needed to meet the actual compressed air consumption at all times. In turn, lower air consumption requires less speed on the compressor, which results in less power consumption.

It is understood that the containership sextet—anticipated for a handover in 2026 and 2027—will boast dual-fuel technology, i.e. they will be able to run on both fuel oil and methanol. Swapping places with ships in a similar size segment, the 274-meter-long Post Panamax newbuildings are expected to reduce Maersk’s annual greenhouse gas emissions by about 450,000 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) per year on a fuel lifecycle basis when operating on green methanol.

In July 2024, TMC Compressors shook hands with French shipbuilder Chantiers de l’Atlantique to supply the marine compressed air system for a cruise ship duo that the French company is constructing for compatriot Orient Express Silenseas.

Expected to be the ‘biggest sailboats in the world’, each of the ships is to be fitted with TMC’s ‘complete’ system that comprises service and control air compressors, service and control refrigerant air dryers, and a desiccant control air dryer.

As informed, the units are projected for delivery in 2026 and 2027, respectively.