Every ship depends on compressed air. The main air compressors fill the starting air receivers that start the main engine and generators, usually at around 30 bar. Smaller service and deck compressors supply working air for tools, controls and cleaning. When a compressor is down, the vessel loses redundancy fast, so having the right spares, or a supplier who can ship them quickly, matters.
The spares that wear first
Most compressor failures come from a small group of parts. These are the items superintendents order most often:
- Suction and delivery valves for the low and high pressure stages. Worn valve plates and springs reduce output and raise temperatures.
- Piston rings and pistons, which wear with running hours and cause oil carry-over and low pressure.
- Bearings and connecting rod bearings, especially on older units with high running hours.
- Coolers and intercoolers, which scale up or leak on the sea water side.
- Unloaders, safety valves and gaskets, small parts that stop a compressor if they fail.
The maker’s overhaul kit for each running-hour interval is the best guide to what to keep on board.
Used, reconditioned or new: which to choose
Used parts and complete compressors are original maker items removed from a vessel, inspected and tested. They are the fastest and lowest-cost option, and they suit older ships and standby units.
Reconditioned compressors are stripped, cleaned and rebuilt with new rings, valves, bearings and gaskets, then tested before dispatch. They give close to new performance at a fraction of the price.
New spares, either OEM or quality equivalents, are the right choice for wear parts such as valves, rings and gaskets, where a fresh part gives the longest life. Many owners mix the two: a used or reconditioned compressor block with new wear parts.
Common makers on board
Main air compressors on merchant ships are often Sperre, Tanabe, Hatlapa, J.P. Sauer or Atlas Copco. Screw compressors from Atlas Copco and Tamrotor are common for service air. Older models from all of these makers are no longer made in the same version, so original used and reconditioned units are often the only exact fit.
What to send your supplier
- A photo of the compressor nameplate (maker, model, serial number, pressure and capacity)
- The part numbers from the maker’s spare parts list, if you need spares
- Quantity, vessel name or IMO number and the delivery port
- Whether you want used, reconditioned or new, or prices for all three
How AMAF Marine can help
AMAF Marine supplies marine compressors and compressor spares, including main air compressors, screw compressors and refrigeration compressors, with models such as the Sperre HV2/240 and Atlas Copco GA units. We offer used and reconditioned original maker equipment, as well as new spares (OEM and quality equivalents). Used and reconditioned units are tested before dispatch and ship from our warehouse to any port.
Send us your nameplate photo and we will quote within 48 hours.
