TMC Dominates Marine Air Systems Market With Major LNG and FPSO Contracts

Norwegian marine tech firm TMC Compressors has locked in two major deals, reinforcing its position as a key supplier for high-capacity LNG carriers and floating production units. The company secured contracts to provide compressed air systems for a dozen LNG vessels and a cutting-edge FPSO—a clear vote of confidence from top-tier shipbuilders.

Hanwha Ocean Doubles Down on TMC for LNG Fleet

South Korea’s Hanwha Ocean selected TMC to outfit 12 new LNG carriers with control and service air compressors—each capable of storing 174,000 cubic meters of liquefied natural gas. While the end client remains undisclosed, the deal extends a longstanding partnership between TMC and the shipyard. “This isn’t their first rodeo,” notes an industry analyst. “TMC’s systems have become the silent workhorses of modern LNG transport.”

The repeat business speaks volumes. When shipyards keep coming back to the same supplier across multiple projects, it’s about more than just specs—it’s proven reliability under pressure.

Fast4Ward® FPSO Repeats History

Meanwhile, China Merchants Heavy Industries (CMHI) tapped TMC for compressed air systems on a newbuild FPSO hull under SBM Offshore’s standardized Fast4Ward® program. The contract mirrors a nearly identical 2023 agreement, highlighting how TMC’s technology aligns with the industry’s push for cost-efficient, repeatable solutions.

“FPSOs are where margins get tight and risks multiply,” explains a project manager familiar with the deals. “Using the same compressed air supplier across multiple hulls eliminates variables in the commissioning process.” TMC’s prior work with both CMHI and SBM Offshore likely gave it an edge—the company understands the precise demands of these floating production behemoths.

The Unseen Backbone of Offshore Operations

While financial terms remain confidential, the twin contracts underscore a quiet reality: marine compressed air systems are the unsung enablers of global energy logistics. From maintaining instrument air pressure to emergency shutdown functions, TMC’s equipment operates in the background—until it’s mission-critical.

With LNG trade volumes hitting record highs and FPSO demand surging, expect TMC’s phone to keep ringing. As one insider puts it: “In this market, nobody gambles on unproven suppliers. These deals aren’t just orders—they’re trust manifests.”