Lloyd’s Register, CoolCo and HD HMS successfully deliver sub-coolers for LNG boil-off reliquefaction retrofit on LNG Carrier Kool Glacier

The project has delivered measurable benefits for CoolCo, enhancing chartering competitiveness, reducing cargo losses from boil-off, and cutting greenhouse gas emissions.

Lloyd’s Register (LR), Cool Company Ltd. (NYSE: CLCO / CLCO.OL; CoolCo) and HD Hyundai Marine Solution (HD HMS) have successfully completed a landmark re-liquefaction retrofit on the Kool Glacier, a CoolCo-owned 162,000 CBM LNG carrier, marking a significant step forward in sustainable shipping operations.

The retrofit, carried out by HD Hyundai Marine Solution as turnkey provider at Yiu Lian Dockyard (Shekou) in China, is designed to manage efficiently the boil-off gas (BOG), a challenge that has long impacted LNG carriers.

By integrating the ALaT TBF 1800 sub cooling re-liquefaction system, with a capacity of 2.1 tonnes per hour, the Kool Glacier can now condense this BOG and return back into liquid form, improving operational efficiency and environmental performance. In particular, this sub-cooler technology reduces BOG generated during both maritime transportation and during waiting periods at terminals, with positive impacts on both operational costs and the vessel’s carbon footprint.

The retrofit commissioning and cold test were successfully completed ahead of schedule, with the vessel departing on 16 March 2025. Subsequently, the vessel successfully completed gas trials during a laden voyage from Papua New Guinea to Thailand in early May 2025.

Throughout the project, LR provided comprehensive technical oversight and flexible classification support, including the expedited notation for the re-liquefaction unit installation, ensuring the ship’s delivery remained on schedule.

This achievement represents the second successful re-liquefaction retrofit in CoolCo’s fleet, following the successful completion of similar work on the Kool Husky, with two more vessels scheduled for upgrade. CoolCo will upgrade in total five vessels with sub-coolers. As regulatory pressure increases and fuel efficiency becomes ever more vital, demand for similar retrofits is expected to grow.

Jose Navarro, Global Gas Technology Director at LR, said: “This achievement demonstrates LR’s reputation as a trusted partner for LNG operators looking to future-proof their fleets. By enabling CoolCo to meet its efficiency and sustainability ambitions, LR continues to lead the way in supporting the transition to a lower-carbon maritime industry.

“LR’s proactive, solution-driven approach brings together global expertise and local responsiveness to deliver complex retrofits on time, and with lasting value to clients and the environment alike.”

Richard Tyrrell, CEO of CoolCo, said: “LR’s flexible approach and technical expertise proved invaluable throughout this complex retrofit project. Their ability to deliver timely solutions, particularly regarding notation assignment exemptions for the re-liquefaction unit, ensured we met our scheduling requirements. CoolCo is mid-way through the upgrade sub-cooler upgrade programme with two more LR-classed vessels to come. LR’s partnership through this process is enabling us to cost-effectively and efficiently deploy technology to materially enhance our fleet’s operational efficiency and competitiveness in the market.”

Kidong Lee, CEO at HD Hyundai Marine Solution, said: “By successfully completing the retrofit not only for the first vessel but for the subsequent one, HD HMS has further reinforced its standing as a reliable technology partner in the maritime industry’s transition toward sustainability.

“In particular, by completing both the commissioning and cold testing ahead of schedule, HD HMS was able to achieve outstanding performance while simultaneously shortened the overall project timeline.”

LR’s latest Fuel for Thought: LNG report provides an analysis of LNG’s current status and future potential in maritime decarbonisation. Fuel for Thought is an industry-leading series of reports and webinars on alternative ship fuels, covering technology advances, policy developments, and emerging trends and opportunities. Access the full report at: www.lr.org/fuelforthought

About Lloyd’s Register 

Lloyd’s Register (LR) is a global professional services group specialising in marine engineering, technology and digital solutions. We were created more than 260 years ago as the world’s first marine classification society to improve and set standards for the safety of ships. 

Today we are a leading provider of classification and compliance services to the marine and offshore industries, helping our clients design, construct and operate their assets to accepted levels of safety and environmental compliance. 

Our digital solutions are relied upon by more than 30,000 vessels, following the acquisition of OneOcean in 2022 and Ocean Technologies Group in 2024. 

In the race to zero emissions, our research, advisory and technical expertise and industry-firsts are supporting a safe, sustainable maritime energy transition. 

Lloyd’s Register Group is wholly owned by the Lloyd’s Register Foundation, a politically and financially independent global charity that promotes safety and education. 

www.lr.org 

CoolCo 

CoolCo is an LNG Carrier pure play with a fleet of 13 vessels and a well-balanced portfolio of short- and long-term charters with the world’s leading oil and gas, trading, and utility companies.  

In addition to organic growth from two newbuilds delivered in Q4 2024 and Q1 2025, CoolCo’s strategy includes ongoing assessment of growth opportunities through vessel acquisitions and potential consolidation in the fragmented LNG market. Through its in-house LNG transportation and infrastructure management platform, CoolCo operates its own vessels and provides management services to third-party owners.  

The company benefits from the scale and support of Eastern Pacific Shipping, an affiliate of its largest shareholder and the owner of one of the world’s largest independent shipping fleets. This affiliation strengthens CoolCo’s strategic position with shipyards, financial institutions, and deal flow access.  

CoolCo is committed to supporting global decarbonization and energy security. As part of its LNGe upgrade program, the company aims to reduce emissions by 10-15%, contributing to a fleet-wide emissions reduction target of 35% from 2019 to 2030.