- Sanctions Push Russia to Launch Home-Built Arctic LNG Tanker.
- Maiden Russian Ice-Class LNG Tanker to Serve Arctic LNG 2.
- Arctic LNG 2 to Get First Domestically Built Ice-Class Tanker.
The first ice-class liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanker built in Russia is set to start operations in the latter half of this year at the Arctic LNG 2 plant, as reported by the Interfax news agency. This vessel, constructed by Sovcomflot, plays a crucial role in bolstering LNG exports from the Arctic region, reports Reuters.
Sanctions Disrupt Arctic LNG Shipments
International sanctions related to the Ukraine conflict have left Russia with a shortage of ice-class tankers, halting Arctic LNG 2’s ability to export cargo since the plant’s first stage began operations at the end of 2023. These sanctions have heightened the urgency for domestically produced vessels that can handle the challenging conditions of the Arctic.
Vessel Named After Soviet Statesman
The new tanker, named Alexey Kosygin in honour of a Soviet-era statesman, is already under U.S. sanctions and began sea trials late last year. The final stage of testing is set to start at the end of this month.
“If all test parameters are achieved, there is a good chance that the vessel will be put into operation in the second half of this year,” said Igor Tonkovidov, CEO of Sovcomflot, told Interfax
Novatek Plans Fleet of Ice-Class LNG Carriers
The Arctic LNG 2 project, led by the Russian energy company Novatek, is set to create a fleet of 15 Arc7 ice-class tankers at the Zvezda shipyard. These ships are specifically built to navigate through ice that’s up to two meters (6.5 feet) thick, making it possible to transport LNG year-round from the Arctic regions.
“Novatek (which owns 60% of Arctic LNG 2) has stated that “15 Arc7 ice-class tankers that are able to cut through two-metre (6.5 ft) thick ice to transport LNG from Arctic projects, will be built at the Zvezda shipyard.”
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Source: Reuters
