Switzerland-based electrification and automation technology provider ABB has upgraded propulsion systems across a fleet of liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers (LNGCs) owned and operated by Cool Company (CoolCo).
ABB has upgraded the frequency converters as part of the propulsion systems of CoolCo’s nine LNG carriers, which is perceived to enhance reliability across the fleet. The propulsion drive upgrade extends the vessels’ operational lifetime by more than ten years, while minimizing dry dock time.
The Swiss company claims that this modernization solution, which was carried out with minimal operational impact, helped optimize the use of installed infrastructure, turning circular practices into strategic advantages and replacing only essential components for maximum value and resources preservation.
Tommy Strømsborg , Vessel Manager at CoolCo, commented: “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.”
CoolCo owns nine 2015-built dual-fuel diesel-electric ships powered by ABB’s propulsion systems, comprising generators, transformers, medium voltage (MV) switchboards, MV frequency converters, and propulsion motors. These vessels are equipped with ACS6000 frequency converters, two units per ship.
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The Swiss firm delivered a modular modernization to upgrade to latest technology and prolong lifetime, only replacing electronic and control components as necessary, with minimal impact on the carriers’ operating schedule and helping the vessel owner benefit from an extension of lifecycle support.
“By replacing electronic components and control but retaining the existing footprint and mechanical parts, modernizations are not only cost- and time-effective but reduce raw materials use, while conserving the embodied carbon already invested in the product, a critical yet often overlooked form of waste prevention.” elaborated ABB.
The modernization entailed the Switzerland-based company’s next-generation Universal Control Unit (UCU) platform for more computational power as well as enhanced maintenance and troubleshooting capabilities, assisting industries to reduce waste, extend product life, and boost operational efficiency and resilience.
Tomas Arhippainen , Business Line Manager, Marine Service & Digital, ABB’s Marine & Ports division, remarked: “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.”
CoolCo decided to implement all pending preventive maintenance actions simultaneously, enabling ABB to grant 24-month extended warranties for the complete drives.
“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,” stated Arhippainen.
A survey recently conducted by Sapio Research on behalf of ABB, which involved 3,600 decision makers across a wide variety of industries, confirmed that the main sustainability goals of respondents when implementing life-cycle management strategies include minimizing waste through life extension and repair (59%), and reducing carbon emissions (59%).