Atlas Copco receives major liquid natural gas contract

Stockholm, Sweden, April 6, 2006: Atlas Copco, in partnership with marine specialist Hamworthy Gas Systems, has received a major contract for the liquid natural gas (LNG) market. The Atlas Copco part of the total contract is worth approximately MSEK 140 (MEUR 15). Delivery is set for the first half of 2007.

Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering (DSME) of Korea has ordered ten nitrogen companders (a three-stage nitrogen compressor coupled with an expansion turbine) and ten boil-off-gas compressors from Atlas Copco Gas and Process division. This is the fourth large-scale order from the LNG market over the past year, all from Asia. Like all the machines booked previously, the companders and the boil-off gas compressors will be employed in an innovative way for the reliquefaction of LNG aboard ships. “The LNG market is expanding globally right now, resulting in a high demand for new, large LNG tankers. This latest order confirms Atlas Copco’s strong position in the LNG market,” says Bengt Kvarnbäck, Business Area President, Atlas Copco Compressor Technique. Atlas Copco and Hamworthy, a world leader in the design and manufacture of innovative marine and offshore fluid handling systems, have been partners for many years. They worked jointly on the development of this new process for the reliquefaction of LNG and have partnered previously for other LNG projects worldwide.