Salt, sea, and stamina: reliable boat maintenance with Atlas Copco portable air compressors in coastal environment
September 15, 2025
In the demanding world of superyacht refits, reliability is everything. For Pendennis Vilanova, Atlas Copco’s portable air compressors are bringing precision, efficiency, and durability - even in the toughest coastal conditions.
Two Atlas Copco portable air compressors are used for maintaining boats
Atlas Copco’s portable XAS 188 air compressor on site
Nestled on the Mediterranean coast in Vilanova i la Geltrú, Spain, Pendennis Vilanova is a world-class refit and repair facility specializing in luxury superyachts. Here, clients expect the highest standards of care, with a shipyard operating in a challenging coastal environment where salt-laden air and high humidity accelerate corrosion and wear on equipment.
To maintain uninterrupted performance in these harsh conditions, Pendennis Vilanova depends on Atlas Copco’s electric E-Air H450 VSD and XATS 156 compressors – both advanced, portable compressed air solutions built to withstand marine environments while optimising efficiency and durability.
Powering performance in a harsh marine setting
Compressed air is essential to Pendennis Vilanova’s maintenance operations, particularly in the antifouling process - a critical step in preserving a yacht’s performance and longevity at sea. Atlas Copco’s portable air compressors play a central role, powering abrasive blasting to efficiently remove marine growth, old coatings, and corrosion from the yacht’s surface. The mobile air compressors are also indispensable for cleaning and drying the hull before applying a precise, even layer of antifouling coating; ensuring a flawless finish that enhances durability and efficiency on the water.
Breaking the concrete deck with pneumatic air hammers and saws
In such a corrosive coastal setting, traditional equipment is vulnerable to accelerated wear and failure. This is where Atlas Copco’s E-Air H450 VSD and XATS 156 compressors prove indispensable for Pendennis Vilanova. Designed specifically for demanding tough environments, the units feature corrosion-resistant layers, offering robust protection against salt, humidity, and airborne contaminants. Its fully enclosed and sealed motor ensures reliable operation by shielding against moisture and dust, significantly reducing maintenance and extending service life – a critical advantage in a time-sensitive industry where downtime is not an option.
The compressors’ integrated aftercooler effectively removes excess moisture, while built-in water separators extract condensed water, ensuring a dry, clean air supply for precision tasks.
Atlas Copco’s portable air compressors are vital to our daily operations. Whether it's hull maintenance, painting, or sandblasting with epoxy, their efficiency in salty coastal environments ensures an uninterrupted workflow. Moreover, their long-term durability makes them a reliable investment for the future.
Efficiency without compromise
Atlas Copco’s portable air compressors are designed to deliver optimal performance while maintaining high standards of quality. The E-Air H450 VSD, with its variable speed drive, dynamically adjusts compressed air consumption based on real-time air demand, resulting in significant energy savings and reduced operating costs. This ensures that operations run smoothly without sacrificing efficiency. Similarly, the XATS 156 offers reliable performance with minimal maintenance, making it a cost-effective choice for various applications.
The electric E-Air H450 compressor also eliminates local emissions, reduces fuel dependency, and lowers overall operating costs - aligning perfectly with the shipyard’s commitment to produce less emissions.
A trusted partner for marine operations
For Pendennis Vilanova, Atlas Copco’s portable air compressors deliver a perfect combination of power, efficiency, and resilience, ensuring that every superyacht leaving the facility is in peak condition. By integrating Atlas Copco’s reliable compressed air technology in their daily work, the team continues to set the standard for excellence in superyacht maintenance, preparing every project for smooth sailing ahead.
