Headquartered in Winterthur, Switzerland, Burckhardt Compression functions as a specialized engineering and manufacturing firm with roots dating back to 1844. Originally established as a mechanical workshop in Basel, the enterprise has matured into a global organization dedicated to reciprocating compression technologies. While it serves various industrial sectors, the company maintains a distinct and critical footprint within the maritime and offshore energy landscapes. Its operational focus centers on the safe handling, compression, and processing of gases in challenging marine environments, serving as a key partner to shipyards, shipowners, and gas logistics operators.
The company is deeply integrated into the global shipping logistics chain, specifically concerning gas carriers. As the demand for Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) transport has grown, Burckhardt Compression has developed the infrastructure necessary to manage boil-off gas aboard these vessels. Their engineering solutions are integral to reliquefaction processes and the fuel gas supply systems that power modern dual-fuel merchant ships. This involvement extends to offshore units where gas compression is required for processing and storage, linking upstream extraction with midstream transport.
To support a mobile asset base like the global merchant fleet, the company operates a network of manufacturing facilities and service centers strategically located near major shipping hubs and dry docks. This logistical setup allows for the rapid deployment of repair teams and spare parts to vessels worldwide, minimizing operational downtime for ship operators. The organization maintains a service-oriented business model that covers the entire lifecycle of maritime equipment, spanning from initial installation and commissioning to long-term maintenance and complex modernization projects.
Recent operational developments reflect the maritime industry's broader transition toward cleaner energy sources. Burckhardt Compression is actively involved in engineering infrastructure for alternative marine fuels, including hydrogen and ammonia. By designing systems capable of handling these volatile and high-pressure mediums, the company supports the shipping sector’s ongoing decarbonization initiatives. Through its specialized engineering capabilities, the firm acts as a persistent enabler for both traditional hydrocarbon transport and the emerging green energy supply chain at sea.
