CoolCo’s Nine LNG Vessels Sport Revamped Propulsion Drives

Why It Matters

Extending vessel lifespans and cutting downtime strengthens CoolCo’s competitive edge and supports industry‑wide moves toward sustainability and circular asset management.

Key Takeaways

• ABB upgraded propulsion drives on nine CoolCo LNG carriers.
• Upgrade adds over ten years to vessel service life.
• Minimal dry‑dock time achieved via modular modernization.
• New Universal Control Unit boosts diagnostics and efficiency.
• Extension supports circular economy and reduces carbon footprint.

Pulse Analysis

The global LNG trade relies on a fleet of specialized carriers that must operate with near‑perfect reliability to meet tight delivery schedules and stringent environmental standards. CoolCo, a Swiss‑based operator of nine dual‑fuel diesel‑electric vessels built in 2015, turned to ABB’s marine automation expertise to refresh the heart of its propulsion system. By replacing aging frequency converters and control electronics, the upgrade promises to keep the ships on‑line while avoiding the lengthy outages typical of traditional overhauls. This move reflects a broader industry shift toward predictive maintenance and digital retrofits that safeguard asset performance without sacrificing uptime.

ABB’s solution centers on the latest ACS6000 frequency converters paired with its Universal Control Unit (UCU) platform, delivering higher computational power and advanced diagnostics. The modular design meant only electronic and control components required replacement, leaving the mechanical drivetrain untouched. As a result, the vessels gain more than a decade of additional service life, cut raw‑material consumption, and lower the embodied carbon tied to the original build. The upgrade also integrates real‑time monitoring, enabling faster troubleshooting and reducing the need for extensive dry‑dock periods, which translates into operational efficiency gains.

For CoolCo, the modernization translates into tangible business advantages: extended asset lifespan, reduced maintenance costs, and a stronger sustainability narrative that appeals to environmentally conscious charterers. ABB’s 24‑month extended warranty and spare‑part support further mitigate financial risk, while the minimal shipyard time preserves revenue‑generating voyages. The initiative aligns with findings from a recent Sapio Research survey, where 59 % of decision‑makers cited waste minimisation and carbon reduction as top lifecycle‑management goals. As regulators tighten emissions standards, such retrofits position LNG carriers to remain competitive in a decarbonising energy market.