This move follows the completion of CoolCo’s merger with EPS Ventures, a unit of EPS.
EPS said in a statement on Monday that Kalleklev’s appointment is effective January 13.
Effective immediately, Richard Tyrrell, who has led CoolCo since 2022, has stepped down as CEO,
Last year, Kalleklev stepped down as CEO of Norwegian LNG shipping firm Flex LNG.
He brings more than two decades of experience across shipping, energy, and finance to EPS and CoolCo.
In his new dual roles, Øystein will lead CoolCo’s overall management and commercial strategy as it transitions into private ownership, while also overseeing commercial activities across EPS’ gas platform, supporting the company’s continued growth in LNG and gas shipping markets, EPS said.
Cyril Ducau, CEO of EPS, said the completion of the CoolCo merger is an “important milestone for EPS as we continue to develop and strengthen our gas platform.”
“Integrating CoolCo fully into EPS allows us to align strategy, capital, and commercial execution more closely,” he said.
“We are very pleased to welcome Øystein to the leadership team, and we look forward to his contribution as we move into the next phase of growth,” Ducau said.
“I am delighted to be joining CoolCo and EPS at this important moment,” adds Kalleklev.
“With the merger now completed, the business has a strong platform from which to move forward. I look forward to working with the teams across CoolCo and EPS Gas to further develop the commercial strategy and create long-term value in the global gas and LNG market,” Kalleklev said.
CoolCo has seven TFDE LNG carriers, which it acquired from Golar LNG. Moreover, it has the four LNG carriers it purchased from EPS.
In addition to these vessels, CoolCo purchased two newbuild LNG carriers from EPS.
The shipping firm exercised its option in June 2023 with affiliates of EPS Ventures to acquire newbuild contracts for the two 2-stroke LNG carriers.
