Russian Sovcomflot to Operate Sanctioned Zvezda Arc7 LNG Carrier for Arctic LNG 2 Despite mounting Western sanctions Russia’s largest shipping company Sovcomflot appears set to operate ice-capable LNG carriers for Arctic LNG 2 currently under construction in Russia. New photos show the SCF logo being painted on the side of the lead vessel,Aleksey Kosygin.
Arctic LNG 2 Facing Vessel Shortage as Zvezda Shipyard Delays Delivery, Japanese MOL Exits Charter Contract Sanctions continue to impact Russia’s Arctic LNG 2 project. Japanese operator Mitsui O.S.K. Lines is looking to step away from the project and ice-capable LNG tankers under construction at Russia’s own Zvezda shipyard have been delayed again.
Russian Shipyard To Deliver Critically Needed Arc7 LNG Carriers for Arctic LNG 2 Novatek’s Arctic LNG 2 plant has now been sitting idle for nearly six months as Novatek has yet to receive any ice-capable LNG carriers for the project. The first two of five Arc7 vessels under construction at a Russian shipyard could become available later this year and begin LNG exports from the facility.
Russia’s Zvezda Shipyard Launches Two Additional Arc7 LNG Carriers for Novatek’s Arctic LNG 2 The launch of two more Arc7 LNG carriers provides a pathway for Novatek to secure partial shipping capacity for its Arctic LNG 2 project later this year. The use of conventional carriers during the summer months could also ease logistical constraints.
No Shipments from Russia's Arctic LNG 2 Until March as Sanctions Block Delivery of LNG Carriers US sanctions continue to delay the initial shipment of gas from Russian gas producer Novatek’s Arctic LNG 2 project. The lack of ice-capable carriers for liquefied natural gas has delayed the first cargo until at least March. Meanwhile, Novatek has begun looking for new buyers of its sanctioned gas in China.
Ukraine Petitions Norway, US, and EU for New Sanctions Against Russian Gas Despite Western sanctions targeting Russia’s energy sector, the country’s LNG exports have increased since 2022. A new Ukrainian petition now calls on officials in Europe and the US to expand sanctions targeting Novatek’s Yamal LNG and Arctic LNG 2 projects.
Russia's Novatek on Track to Complete 2nd Train of Arctic LNG 2 in 2024 The final module for the 2nd production line of Russian gas producer Novatek’s Arctic LNG 2 project, departed from China last week. In February the company will integrate the last three modules ahead of towing the LNG train to the Gydan peninsula this summer. While US sanctions have not yet halted construction, it remains to be seen how much LNG Novatek will be able to sell.
Two Asian Shipyards Continue to Build LNG Tankers for New Russian Arctic Gas Project Novatek and its partners continue to push ahead with Arctic gas projects even in the face of economic sanctions. Images analyzed by HNN indicate at least 8 new gas carriers at various stages of completion. The first ones could be delivered later this year.
LNG Carrier Completes Roundtrip Winter Voyage to China via NSR Arc7 LNG CarrierVladimir Voronincompletes a roundtrip voyage to China in just 42 days in the heart of winter highlighting how Russia’s goal of year-round exports to Asia is becoming increasingly feasible. A second LNG carrier,Boris Vilkitsky, is also currently on its return leg from China.
French Engineering Company Exits Cooperation with Russian Shipyard A French provider of critical membrane containment systems used in Arc7 LNG carriers, terminates work with Russian Zvezda shipyard as result of EU sanction package, but says it will complete work on the initial batch of vessels. Russia may look to China for construction of future Arc7 LNG carriers.
Western Sanctions Could Inadvertently Redirect Russian LNG to Europe as Novatek Faces Shortage of LNG Carriers Western sanctions targeting Russia’s shipbuilding sector are likely to result in greater volume of Russian LNG flowing towards Europe starting in 2023. A shortage of specialized Arc7 will redirect LNG from Novatek's latest project from Asia to Europe.
South Korean DSME Cancels Contract for Novatek Arctic LNG Carriers A South Korean shipyard has canceled orders for three Arc7 LNG carriers after Novatek’s shipping partner Sovcomflot fails to make payments as a result of EU sanctions.
Rosatomflot Signs Port Fleet Contract for LNG Transshipment Complex FSUE Atomflot and Arctic Perevalka LLC have signed an agreement to create a port fleet for the provision of towing services at the marine LNG transshipment complex in Murmansk Oblast.
Arctic Natural Gas Carrier In Drydock to Repair Damage from Winter Test Voyage A highly ice-capable natural gas carrier suffered damage to one of its engine pods during a first-of-its-kind winter transit without icebreaker support on Russia’s Northern Sea Route. TheNikolay Yevgenovhas now arrived at a dry dock in France to undergo repairs, highlighting that Arctic navigation remains challenging.
Record Cold Winter in Asia Sends Russian LNG Via Arctic to Japan Cold temperatures and traffic congestion at the Panama Canal has resulted in a shortage of natural gas and exploding prices in parts of Asia. Now, Novatek aims to send LNG from the Arctic to Japan during the middle of winter in an untested high-risk, high-reward strategy.
New Powerful Arc7 LNG Carriers Could Eliminate Need for Icebreakers on Northern Sea Route An improved second generation of Arc7 LNG carriers revealed today by Finland’s Aker Arctic may be so powerful that it can navigate Russia’s Northern Sea Route year-round, even without icebreaker escorts.
Novatek Orders 10 Arc7 Carriers for Arctic LNG 2 from Zvezda Shipyard Novatek takes a big step forward in its Arctic LNG 2 project ordering ten new icebreaking gas carriers from the Russian Zvezda shipyard. The company is expected to order a further twelve ships from DSME in South Korea before the end of September.
