Russian shipping major Sovcomflot has signed financing and time charter agreement for the first icebreaking LNG carrier for Arctic LNG 2 project.
The financing deal was agreed with compatriot financial institution, VEB.RF Group, while a long-term time charter deal for the tanker was signed with NOVATEK Group.
To be constructed at Zvezda Shipbuilding Complex in the Russian Far East, the vessel is designed for year-round operations in the challenging ice conditions of the Kara Sea and The Gulf of Ob.
It will be able to sail independently through ice over two metres thick.
All the LNG carriers in the new series will be operated under the Russian flag.
The Russian Maritime Register of Shipping (RS) will provide technical supervision during the construction of the vessel series.