Technology group Wärtsilä has signed a five-year service agreement with Greece-based operator TMS Cardiff Gas to support the operation of two newbuild liquefied natural gas carrier (LNGC) vessels. The agreement is designed to maximise vessel availability and operational reliability through optimised maintenance planning, expert support and predictive maintenance services. The order was booked by Wärtsilä in Q3 2026.

As LNG trade continues to grow, vessel operators face increasing pressure to maintain high levels of reliability, efficiency and schedule adherence. Effective lifecycle support plays an important role in helping ship operators minimise unplanned downtime, optimise maintenance activities and secure the long-term performance of critical onboard assets. The latest agreement builds on a successful relationship between Wärtsilä and TMS Cardiff Gas, following the renewal in 2025 of an existing agreement covering seven vessels in the company’s fleet.

“There is increasing global demand for LNG, and carrier operators place a high value on reliability. This is why this agreement with Wärtsilä is important to us. The existing agreement covering other vessels in our fleet has delivered a successful combination of technology, high-quality spare parts support and expert services, helping us maintain reliable and efficient operations. Extending this collaboration to these two newbuild vessels supports our goal of maximising availability and operational performance across the fleet,” says Alexandros Politis-Kalenteris, Deputy COO - TMS Cardiff Gas.

The agreement covers the recently delivered 174,000 cbm LNGCs Al Thurayya and Al Majhoulah. Through Wärtsilä’s Dynamic Maintenance Planning service, the vessels will benefit from flexible maintenance scheduling, extended maintenance intervals and reduced spare parts consumption. The agreement also includes 24/7 remote operational support, contract management services and Expert Insight, Wärtsilä’s predictive maintenance solution that uses real-time operational data to identify potential issues before problems arise. Each vessel is equipped with two WinGD 5X72DF two-stroke main engines, four Wärtsilä 34DF auxiliary engines, and Wärtsilä gas valve units.

“As vessel operations become increasingly complex, operators are looking for greater predictability, efficiency and support throughout the asset lifecycle,” says Henrik Wilhelms, Director, Agreement Sales, Wärtsilä Marine. “By combining advanced digital capabilities, predictive maintenance and expert lifecycle services, we help our customers maximise asset performance, reduce operational risk and maintain competitiveness in a rapidly evolving operating environment.”

The two vessels have recently entered service as part of a broader fleet expansion programme underway at TMS Cardiff Gas. The company is part of TMS, which manages more than 140 vessels across the LNG, LPG, oil tanker, dry bulk and container shipping segments. In addition to the service agreement and equipment onboard, TMS Cardiff Gas also utilises Wärtsilä Fleet Optimisation Solution (FOS) across its wider fleet. FOS integrates voyage planning, performance analytics, compliance management and real-time operational insight within a single digital platform, helping to support the safe and efficient operation of the company's vessels.