TMC inks ALS compressor supply deal for LNG ships

TMC will supply its frequency-controlled marine compressors for use in combination with the vessels’ air lubrication system. The equipment will be manufactured in Europe and shipped to Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries.

The company did not disclose the value of the contract. International sales manager Jens Eik Tøstad said, “The demand for air lubrication systems has increased dramatically in recent years. We were an early mover with our dedicated marine ALS compressors, and this has enabled us to become the favoured supplier for many of the big shipyards such as HSHI.”

ALS is used to reduce the resistance between the ship’s hull and seawater by using air bubbles. The air bubble distribution across the hull surface reduces the frictional resistance working on the ship’s hull.

The technology has become increasingly popular for use on LNG carriers and reduces the friction between the ship’s hull and seawater by distributing microbubbles across the underside of the ship, reducing fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

TMC claims its frequency-controlled ALS compressors also offer fuel savings compared with conventional compressors as the frequency-controlled technology offers precise control over compressor speed. The speed of the electrical motor adjusts itself according to what is required to produce the exact air volume necessary to meet the actual compressed air consumption at all times.

South Korean shipbuilder HSHI is constructing the two 174,000-m³ LNG vessels for Eastern Pacific Shipping. Last year TMC signed a similar supply deal for two Korea Line Corp LNG vessels under construction at HSHI.