ABB has modernized the propulsion drives of nine CoolCo LNG carriers, extending their operational lifespan by over a decade. The upgrade replaced electronic components and integrated the next-generation Universal Control Unit (UCU) while preserving existing mechanical infrastructure. This modular approach, completed at a Chinese shipyard, minimizes dry-dock time and supports circular economy goals by reducing waste and embodied carbon.
Finland | March 26, 2026 – In a major technical overhaul aimed at fleet resilience, Cool Company Ltd (CoolCo) has completed the modernization of propulsion systems across nine of its LNG carriers. Partnering with ABB, the Norway-headquartered shipowner has successfully extended the operational life of its vessels’ frequency converters by more than a decade, proving that “circular” maintenance is becoming a strategic edge in high-stakes LNG logistics.
The project focused on the ACS6000 frequency converters, the heart of the ships’ dual-fuel diesel-electric propulsion. By opting for a modular upgrade rather than a full replacement, CoolCo managed to minimize dry-dock time while significantly boosting the computational power of its onboard systems.
Engineering for Longevity: The Modular Approach
The nine vessels, originally built in 2015, were due for a mid-life technology refresh. ABB’s solution centered on preserving the existing mechanical infrastructure and “embodied carbon” while replacing only the critical electronic and control components.
Key Technical Upgrades:
- Universal Control Unit (UCU): Integration of ABB’s next-generation platform, providing faster processing and enhanced troubleshooting capabilities.
- Component Preservation: Mechanical parts and footprints were retained, drastically reducing waste and raw material consumption.
- Extended Warranties: By bundling the upgrades with preventive maintenance, CoolCo secured a 24-month extended warranty on the complete drive systems.
This “leaner and cleaner” approach aligns with a recent industry survey by Sapio Research, which found that 59% of maritime decision-makers now prioritize waste minimization through life extension as a core sustainability goal.
Minimal Downtime, Maximum Reliability
For LNG carriers, where “off-hire” time translates to massive revenue loss, the execution of the upgrade was critical. ABB teams performed the modernization at a shipyard in China, synchronized with other essential maintenance to ensure the carriers returned to service on schedule.
Tommy Strømsborg, Vessel Manager, CoolCo:
“At CoolCo we are dedicated to providing our customers with the highest level of service in a safe and sustainable manner. To do that we need outstanding reliability. We are very pleased with ABB’s approach to modernize the propulsion drives, as it helps to maximize availability and resilience while reducing environmental footprint. In addition, ABB’s ability to customize services, their flexibility in scaling operations, and their eagerness to co-develop solutions with us were highly valued.“
Tomas Arhippainen, Business Line Manager, Marine Service & Digital, ABB Marine & Ports:
“When transporting LNG across the globe, minimal downtime, high fleet availability and low carbon footprint are paramount. It’s great to see that, by opting for our modernization solution, CoolCo is driving both circular value and business edge. They have now extended drives’ lifetime by more than ten years, continuing to benefit from our full technical backing and spare part availability thanks to the adoption of our latest technologies. We worked closely with CoolCo to coordinate the upgrades and minimize the ships’ dry dock time. ABB personnel ran the upgrade work at a shipyard in China, and it was undertaken at the same time as other essential maintenance interventions.”
About the Companies
Cool Company Ltd (CoolCo)
Cool Company Ltd (CoolCo) is a growth-oriented owner and operator of nine modern energy-efficient TFDE LNG carriers, and four modern 2-stroke LNG carriers. The vessels range in LNG capacity from 160-174 cbm, a size that is preferred by charterers, who also benefit from the advanced containment technology with low boil off rates (0.08-0.125%). CoolCo has extensive experience of managing both LNG Carriers and Floating Storage and Regasification Units (FSRUs). Spun off from Golar LNG, the company manages a high-specification fleet that is essential for the global transition toward cleaner-burning fuels. They specialize in safe, reliable, and highly efficient transport solutions, primarily serving the international gas markets.
ABB
ABB is a global technology leader in electrification and automation, enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. By connecting its engineering and digitalization expertise, ABB helps industries run at high performance, while becoming more efficient, productive and sustainable so they outperform. At ABB, we call this ‘Engineered to Outrun’. The company has over 140 years of history and around 110,000 employees worldwide. ABB’s shares are listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ABBN) and Nasdaq Stockholm (ABB).
ABB Marine & Ports
A division of the Swiss-Swedish technology giant ABB, the ABB Marine & Ports business is the architect behind the “Electric. Digital. Connected.” maritime revolution. Their Azipod® propulsion has become the gold standard for cruise ships and high-end yachts, offering up to 20% fuel savings over traditional shaft-line systems.
Source: ABB Marine & Ports