Zvezda Shipbuilding Complex in Russia’s far east and Russia’s largest shipping company Sovcomflot (SCF) have signed a contract to build a dual-fuel gas carrier vessel for the Arctic LNG 2 project. This will be the first time such a vessel is built within the country. The contract states that the pilot vessel is to be delivered in Q1 2023.
Zvezda Shipbuilding Complex has unique equipment for Russian shipyards, as well as advanced world-class technology, which provides for the implementation of such projects. Prior to the contract conclusion, Zvezda obtained the relevant certification, successfully passing an audit by Gaztransport & Technigaz (GTT), Novatek PJSC, and ship-owners, and its capacity for construction of liquefied gas membrane storage systems was approved. Approximately 100 employees of Zvezda Shipyard underwent training in South Korea and France and learned to make modular vessels.
The pilot gas carrier vessel for Arctic LNG 2 will meet the design requirements for Christophe de Margerie vessels ordered for Novatek’s project in South Korea in 2013 in order to provide support to Yamal LNG and ensure year-round transportation of LNG in harsh ice conditions of the Kara Sea and the Gulf of Ob.
For the first time in history, construction of a vessel of this class will be carried out at a Russian shipyard which thus far have been ordered from overseas shipbuilders.
The vessel’s design allows it to ram ice up to 2.1 m thick. Power package capacity of the gas carrier is 45 MW, which is comparable to the power of a nuclear-powered icebreaker. The tanker is distinguished by increased environmental safety; in particular, it will be mainly powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG).
Zvezda Shipyard is being established at the Far Eastern Shipbuilding and Ship Repair Centre (FESRC) by a consortium led by Rosneft upon instructions of the President of Russia.
Currently, the shipyard has 12 Afromax class tankers in its stock of orders. These tankers are 250 m long and 44 m wide and their principal and auxiliary power units can work both on conventional fuel and natural gas.
Related articles:
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- Sovcomflot Breaks New Ground with LNG-fuelled Aframax Tankers
- Sovcomflot and Rosneft Sign for Five LNG-Fueled Aframax Tankers
