Specifying a compressor container for an offshore platform and specifying one for an onshore construction site are fundamentally different engineering challenges. The wrong specification costs money, causes downtime and in offshore environments, creates serious safety risks. This guide breaks down the key differences between offshore and onshore compressor containers — certification requirements, pressure ratings, hazardous area classifications and environmental specifications.
Why Offshore Compressor Containers Are Different
Onshore compressor containers operate in controlled or semi-controlled environments. Offshore compressor containers must survive saltwater corrosion, crane lifts in heavy seas, explosive atmospheres, extreme temperature swings and the structural demands of platform deck operations — often simultaneously.
The engineering requirements are categorically different, and so are the certification and testing standards.
Certification Requirements
Offshore Compressor Containers
- DNV 2.7-1 — mandatory for any container lifted by crane in a marine environment
- ATEX / IECEx — required for Zone 1 and Zone 2 hazardous area installations
- NORSOK — Norwegian offshore standard, required by many North Sea operators
- Lloyd’s Register / ABS — marine classification where required by platform operator
- Saltwater-resistant coatings — C5-M corrosion protection category minimum
Onshore Compressor Containers
- ISO 1496 — standard container structural certification
- CE marking — for European markets
- ATEX — required if located in hazardous areas (refineries, chemical plants, mining)
- Standard industrial coatings — C3 or C4 corrosion protection category
Pressure and Output Specifications
Offshore Applications
Offshore compressor containers typically operate at higher pressures and must deliver greater reliability due to the cost and difficulty of maintenance in marine environments.
- Output range: 500 – 2,000 CFM typical for platform applications
- Pressure: 300 – 500 PSI for drilling and process applications
- Redundant systems — dual compressor configurations for critical applications
- Remote monitoring — essential for unmanned or minimally manned platforms
Onshore Applications
- Output range: 100 – 900 CFM for general industrial use
- Pressure: 100 – 350 PSI for tools, pneumatic systems and process air
- Single compressor configurations standard for most applications
- Local monitoring with remote capability optional
Environmental Specifications
Offshore
- Operating temperature: -40°C to +55°C ambient
- Saltwater resistance: C5-M coating system, marine-grade stainless fittings
- Wind and wave loading: structural design to NORSOK N-004 or equivalent
- Motion compensation: anti-vibration mounts rated for vessel motion
Onshore
- Operating temperature: -40°C to +55°C ambient (arctic and desert variants)
- Dust and sand filtration: essential for desert and mining environments
- Standard industrial coatings: adequate for most land-based applications
Hazardous Area Classification
Both offshore and onshore compressor containers may be installed in hazardous areas — but the classification system and requirements differ by region:
- ATEX (EU) — Zone 0, 1, 2 for gas; Zone 20, 21, 22 for dust
- IECEx (International) — equivalent to ATEX, recognised globally
- NEC (USA) — Class I Division 1 and 2 for gas; Class II for dust
Offshore platforms typically require Zone 1 or Zone 2 classification for compressor containers located on or near process decks. Onshore installations in refineries, chemical plants and mining operations may require the same.
Tamga Modules Offshore and Onshore Compressor Container Solutions
Tamga Modules manufactures compressor container systems for both offshore and onshore applications. Our offshore units are DNV 2.7-1 certified with ATEX electrical systems and C5-M corrosion protection. Our onshore units cover output ranges from 100 to 2,000 CFM across standard industrial, mining and construction configurations.
We also supply ATEX explosion proof containers and E-House and mobile substation containers for integrated offshore and onshore power and process solutions.
Contact us to discuss your compressor container specifications → sales@tamgamodules.com