Yangzijiang Shipbuilding Group has selected TMC Compressors (TMC) to equip six methanol-fuelled container vessels with its Smart Air compressors.
Being built for shipping giant Maersk, the vessels will benefit from up to a 40% energy saving in compressed air systems compared to traditional compressors, according to the company.
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Scheduled for delivery between 2026 and 2027, the six 9,000 twenty-foot equivalent (TEU) vessels will feature dual-fuel engines capable of operating on both fuel oil and methanol.
The new vessels are expected to reduce Maersk’s annual greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 450,000t CO2₂e when running on green methanol.
The Smart Air compressors utilise frequency-controlled technology, allowing for precise compressor speed adjustments in line with the actual air consumption needs.
The electrical motor’s speed adjusts automatically to produce the exact volume of air required, enhancing power conservation.
TMC sales and business development director Hans Petter Tanum said: “Maersk has previously announced that these six container vessels, which all have dual-fuel engines able to operate on green methanol, represent another step in the green transformation of the company’s fleet towards its net-zero target in 2040.
“We are proud that our Smart Air compressors have been chosen for such future-oriented and sustainable vessels.”
The compressors are designed for marine and offshore use, providing energy savings through optimised operation based on air consumption.
With a variable frequency drive, these compressors can adjust air production precisely, leading to energy savings between 20% and 40%, depending on usage patterns.
Furthermore, the Smart Air compressors reduce power consumption, wear on mechanical components, and the electrical load on systems.
This results in reduced generator fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
Last month, Maersk contracted three shipyards to build 20 dual-fuel container vessels with a total capacity of 300,000TEU.
The ships, ranging from 9,000 to 17,000TEU, will feature liquefied gas dual-fuel propulsion systems.
