ABB upgrades CoolCo LNG drives

The upgrades focused on enhancing reliability, optimising infrastructure and turning circular practices into business advantages.

“When transporting LNG across the globe, minimal downtime, high fleet availability and low carbon footprint are paramount,” explained Tomas Arhippainen, ABB business line manager for Marine Service & Digital.

“CoolCo has now extended drives’ lifetime by more than ten years, benefitting from our full technical backing and spare part availability.”

CoolCo, headquartered in Norway, operates nine dual fuel diesel-electric ships powered by ABB’s propulsion systems, including generators, transformers, medium voltage switchboards, frequency converters and propulsion motors.

Built in 2015, the vessels’ ACS6000 frequency converters were upgraded using a modular approach, replacing only electronic and control components where necessary. ABB introduced its next-generation universal control unit, providing increased computational power, improved maintenance tools and enhanced troubleshooting capabilities.

“At CoolCo we are dedicated to providing our customers with the highest level of service in a safe and sustainable manner,” said Tommy Strømsborg, vessel manager at CoolCo.

“To do that we need outstanding reliability. We are very pleased with ABB’s approach to modernise the propulsion drives, as it helps to maximise availability and resilience while reducing environmental footprint.”

By retaining mechanical components and footprint while upgrading electronics, the modernisation reduces raw material use and conserves embodied carbon, illustrating the circular value of lifecycle management. Coordinated alongside preventive maintenance, ABB provided 24-month extended warranties on the drives.

Arhippainen added: “We worked closely with CoolCo to coordinate the upgrades and minimise the ships’ dry dock time. ABB personnel performed the work at a shipyard in China, combined with other maintenance interventions.”