- Zvezda Shipyard to Hand Over Two More Ice-Class LNG Vessels Next Year.
- New Tanker Set to Serve Sanctioned Arctic LNG 2 Project.
- Novatek Plans Fleet of 21 Arc7 Ice-Class LNG Tankers.
Russia’s top tanker company, Sovcomflot, has just taken delivery of its first ice-class tanker for liquefied natural gas, built at the Zvezda shipyard. According to the company’s CEO, they’re also planning to receive two more vessels next year, as reported by Interfax on Wednesday, reports Reuters.
Sanctions Complicate LNG Shipping
Due to sanctions related to Ukraine, Russia is encountering increasing difficulties in securing gas carriers, especially those that can handle the thick Arctic ice and support LNG projects in the northern seas.
Zvezda’s Arc7 Ice-Class Capabilities
Zvezda, the most advanced shipbuilding facility in Russia, focuses on creating large Arc7 ice-class tankers that can cut through ice up to two meters thick. These ships are specifically designed to transport LNG from Arctic projects, ensuring year-round deliveries even in harsh conditions.
Tanker Assigned to Arctic LNG 2
The newly delivered tanker, named Alexey Kosygin after the Soviet statesman, is set to join the fleet for the Arctic LNG 2 plant, which is currently under U.S. sanctions.
Novatek’s Long-Term Fleet Plans
Novatek, the Russian energy company that holds a 60% stake in Arctic LNG 2, has announced plans to build a total of 15 Arc7 ice-class tankers at the Zvezda shipyard. In total, Novatek has contracts for 21 of these vessels.
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Source: Reuters
