Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries (HSHI) has contracted Norwegian supplier TMC Compressors (TMC) to deliver the marine air lubrication system (ALS) compressors for two newbuilding LNGCs.
The contract covers two 174,000 cu m LNGCs ordered by Eastern Pacific Shipping.
TMC will supply its frequency-controlled marine compressors for use in combination with the vessels’ ALS. TMC will manufacture the equipment in Europe and then ship the compressors to HSHI.
“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,” said Jens Erik Tøstad, TMC’s International Sales Manager.
An ALS reduces 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, creating energy-saving effects.
TMC’s frequency-controlled ALS compressors also offer fuel savings, compared to conventional compressors, the company claimed. As the frequency-controlled technology offers precise control of the compressor speed, the speed of the electrical motor will adjust itself according to what is required to produce the exact air volume necessary to meet the actual compressed air consumption at all times.
TMC offers compressors for ALS applications in the range of 50 kW to 400 kW capacity.
Remaining with compressors, Baker Hughes has won an order from QatarEnergy to supply two main refrigerant compressors (MRCs) for Qatargas’ North Field South (NFS) project.
The MRCs will form part of two LNG mega trains representing 16 mill tonnes per annum of additional capacity that is forecast to further boost Qatar’s LNG production capability to 126 mill tonnes per annum, propelling Qatar to becoming the leader in global LNG production by 2027.
