TMC Compressors, a Norwegian supplier of marine and offshore compressed air systems, announced that it has been awarded a contract by Hyundai Heavy Industries to deliver the marine compressed air system to a pair of very large ethane carriers (VLECs) that are being built for Malaysian shipping line MISC.
According to MISC, the newbuild 100,000 cubic metre ethane carriers will rank among the largest of their kind in the world. In addition to their primary role of transporting ethane, the VLECs are also capable of carrying ethylene and liquefied petroleum gas. The vessels are scheduled for delivery by the end of 2028.
TMC’s scope of supply involves the delivery of a complete marine compressed air system, including service and control air compressors, to each of the two vessels.
TMC designs compressors solely for marine and offshore use, meaning for vessels that spend weeks, months and even years without visiting a port. This will also be the case for these two VLCEs, which will transport ethane from the US to Thailand, according to media reports. TMC’s compressors are therefore designed to allows the vessel crew to maintain the compressors themselves, also while at sea.
In March 2025, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries announced it had secured an order from MISC for two 100,000 cubic meter class VLECs. The vessels will be built at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries’ Ulsan shipyard, with delivery scheduled by the end of 2028. The shipowner stated that the new vessels are capable of transporting ethane, ethylene, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).