TMC’s marine compressed air systems picked for Canadian AOPSs

Norway-headquartered TMC Compressors has been contracted by Irving Shipbuilding to deliver the marine compressed air system for two Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships (AOPS) that the shipbuilder is constructing for the Canadian Coast Guard.  

Under the contract, TMC will provide a complete marine compressed air system, including compressors for service and control air, for both AOPS. TMC has not disclosed the value of its contract.

The Canadian Coast Guard’s AOPS will be tasked with a wide range of missions. Both ships will operate as the Canadian Coast Guard’s primary platform with increased capabilities to support fisheries enforcement on Canada’s east coast and support search and rescue and icebreaking operations.

“We are aware that the Canadian and Norwegian coast guards last year entered into a cooperation agreement to advance marine safety and environmental protection. As a Norway-based supplier, we are proud to support both Irving Shipbuilding and indirectly the Canadian Coast Guard, and to contribute towards further enhancing Norwegian-Canadian relations,” said Christian Ness, CEO of TMC.

TMC will manufacture the equipment in Europe and transport it to Irving Shipbuilding’s yard in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.

Irving Shipbuilding was selected in 2011 to build the new fleet of combat vessels for the Royal Canadian Navy.

To date, five Arctic and Offshore Patrol ships have been delivered for the Royal Canadian Navy and a further three are under construction.

The company is building the final two variants of the AOPS for the Canadian Coast Guard before commencing the larger River-class destroyers.