- Russia to Launch Ship-to-Ship LNG Transfers in Barents and Bering Seas
- Novatek Expands Arctic LNG Shipping Capacity with New STS Transfer Points
- Russia Plans New STS Facilities to Tackle Arctic LNG Transport Challenges
Russia plans to implement ship-to-ship (STS) transfers of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and gas condensate in the Barents and Bering Seas as part of its effort to make optimal use of its ice-class tanker fleet, it said on Tuesday. This move would likely be taken to support Novatek, Russia’s leading LNG producer, amid logistical difficulties caused by Western sanctions, according to a draft project document seen by Reuters on Tuesday, reports Reuters.
Expanding LNG Transport Capacity in the Arctic
Novatek advances the Arctics with an ice-class tanker shortage for the gruelling route to Asia. The implementation of EU sanctions, slated to outlaw Russian LNG loadings in EU ports by March 2025, will oblige Russia to implement a transfer strategy whereby the existing ice-class vessels will offload at sea. It allows those tankers to utilize the Arctic route to cover more voyages.
Barents and Bering Sea Facilities for STS Transfers
The first of the planned STS transfer areas should be created in Chosha Bay, Barents Sea, for a subsidiary of Novatek, Obsky Ammiak. The second STS transfer area is planned to be sited in Kresta Bay, Bering Sea, by the document. Each one will have the potential to receive 4.1 million cubic meters of LNG and 1.4 million cubic meters of gas condensate annually. Transfers should take place only when ice conditions allow for safe vessel movement.
Novatek’s Experience with STS Transfers
Since Novatek is to conduct ship-to-ship LNG transfers off the coast of the Murmansk region of Russia, it would already have operational experience in the same region. The new STS transfer points will bestow Novatek with optimal fleet capacity for the Arctic LNG 2 project. This should ensure further export operations under difficult geopolitical conditions.
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Source: Reuters
