- Medium Ice-Class Vessel Withdraws After Repeated Attempts.
- Nuclear Icebreaker Support Fails to Secure Passage.
- Shortage of High Ice-Class Carriers Persists.
Lately, a medium ice-class LNG carrier has had a tough time reaching the LNG export terminal in Ob Bay due to unusually thick ice that has come in early this season, effectively halting regular navigation. This situation really underscores the increasing winter challenges along the Northern Sea Route and the project’s critical shortage of high ice-class LNG carriers, reports gCaptain.
Multiple Failed Attempts Despite Icebreaker Assistance
Since December 2, the Arc4-class LNG carrier has made four attempts to head south into Ob Bay. Each time, it’s been closely following nuclear-powered icebreakers that are trying to carve a path through the ice. Two more capable Arctic-class LNG carriers, which are serving a nearby LNG facility, were also part of the convoy. Yet, despite this backup, the carrier just couldn’t make it far enough to reach the terminal.
Ice Conditions Worsen Earlier Than Usual
The sea ice in Ob Bay has thickened rapidly to 50 cm or more, with air temperatures dipping below –20°C. This has made access to the terminal more difficult, and it’s happening earlier and more aggressively than in recent winters. The challenge is particularly pressing because the LNG terminal is situated further south in Ob Bay compared to nearby facilities, making it more susceptible to quickly forming first-year ice and limited access routes.
Medium Ice-Class Vessels Proving Insufficient
The LNG carrier in question is one of just four medium ice-class vessels available for this project. While planners might have hoped these ships could operate into December, the current ice conditions have really shown their limitations when faced with heavy winter ice buildup. Similar issues were noted last month when the same vessel struggled for nearly a week to navigate through ice-choked waters in the eastern Arctic.
Withdrawal Highlights Fleet Limitations
After nearly a week of manoeuvring around the mouth of Ob Bay, the carrier ultimately decided to call it quits and retreated into open waters. This withdrawal really highlights the practical limits of both icebreaker escort capabilities and the mix of vessels assigned to the sanctioned LNG project.
Only One High Ice-Class Carrier Available
Right now, there’s just one Arc7-class LNG carrier available for the project’s winter operations. Unfortunately, it’s currently far from the terminal, having been sent on a risky eastbound journey toward Asian markets via the Northern Sea Route. This decision leaves the project without its most capable vessel just when winter conditions are at their peak.
Risks of Returning Via the Northern Sea Route
Icebreaker operations are still ongoing along the eastern part of the route, likely to assist the Arc7 carrier’s eventual return for another cargo pickup. However, operators might be hesitant to redeploy the vessel since it previously sustained damage during a winter Arctic transit, leading to months of repairs at a shipyard overseas.
Winter Export Outlook Remains Uncertain
The failed access attempt clearly shows the significant operational challenges the project faces as it tries to maintain even minimal winter exports. With too few high ice-class vessels and medium ice-class carriers struggling to handle the advancing ice, output levels are likely to stay constrained in the coming months.
Additional High Ice-Class Vessel Could Ease Pressure
A second Arc7-class LNG carrier might be available in the next few weeks. This vessel is currently undergoing sea trials near a major shipyard in the Far East and is reportedly nearing commissioning after an extended testing phase. Its entry into service could provide some much-needed relief—but until then, winter operations will remain quite limited.
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Source: gCaptain
