Elcome finalises major fleet retrofit agreement

Elcome International has signed a milestone agreement with a Middle East-based shipowner to retrofit boiler control systems across a fleet of ten crude tankers and product carriers.

The project, prompted by recurring issues with aging equipment, represents one of Elcome’s most comprehensive retrofit programmes to date and is aimed at ensuring long-term boiler reliability and digital readiness.

The contract covers the supply and installation of new ELSYS Boiler Control systems to replace Alfa Laval Mission/ALTS systems originally installed in 2012.

The older units, based on UNISAB II controllers, had reached the end of their service life, with spare parts no longer available and failures occurring more frequently.

Elcome’s scope of work includes modern PLC-based control systems for Alfa Laval OL/OC boilers, updated human-machine interfaces, SCADA integration, and upgraded burner management systems.

Each retrofit will also feature secure remote connectivity, enabling Elcome’s service team to provide real-time support, diagnostics, and software updates during voyages. This digital capability supports greater operational stability, faster interventions, and reduced downtime.

Jimmy Grewal, Managing Director of Elcome, said the project reflects the company’s ability to deliver reliable, digitally enabled solutions, commenting that this agreement provides the owner a long-standing Elcome customer and one of the region’s leading ship operators with fleetwide improvements in reliability and efficiency.

Two vessels have already been retrofitted, one at Jebel Ali and another completed during a voyage without impacting charter schedules.

Each installation typically requires five to seven days, demonstrating Elcome’s ability to work within tight operational windows. The remaining eight retrofits are scheduled for completion before year-end, with systems delivered to multiple international locations.

The new control systems have passed factory acceptance testing and received approval from Lloyd’s Register, meeting functional safety requirements and cybersecurity protocols.

Elcome is also providing crew training and one year of complimentary remote diagnostics and troubleshooting support.

By finalising this agreement, Elcome has further strengthened its role as a trusted partner for shipowners facing both technical obsolescence and digital transformation.

The retrofits represent a strategic investment in safety, efficiency, and connectivity, laying the groundwork for smarter fleet operations.

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