Veliky Novogorod to become largest gas carrier in Gazproms fleet
Veliky Novogorod LNG carrier / Image Credit: Gazprom
A naming ceremony was held for the new gas carrier Velikiy Novgorod, ordered by Sovcomflot group of companies(SCF) for transportation of LNG for Gazprom group. The ship will operate under a long-term time-charter agreement with OAO Sovcomflot and will reinforce positions of Gazprom in the world LNG market, as well as strengthen the Russian LNG-tanker fleet.
Velikiy Novgorod is the first vessel in a series of high-tech ice class LNG carriers that has been specially designed in accordance with Gazprom demands.The second ship of the series, Pskov, is due to be delivered in September, 2014.
The design of the gas-carriers was developed in collaboration with experts from Gazprom, Sovcomflot, the Russian Maritime Register and the United Shipbuilding Company (OAO OSK). It complies with the latest requirements regarding ecological norms, energy-efficiency, working conditions and leisure provision for crews, as well as onboard safety.
In implementing the project, due consideration was paid to the interests of Russia’s shipbuilding industry. Provisions were made for the phased localisation of LNG carriers construction at newly-formed shipbuilding facilities in the Russian Federation – first and foremost at the Zvezda yard in the Far East. The first two vessels in the series – Velikiy Novgorod and Pskov – are being built at STX Offshore & Shipbuilding facilities in collaboration with OAO OSK.
“Gazprom gradually implements its strategy in the field of production and supplies of liquefied natural gas. Within this framework we form our own tanker fleet ready to provide the transportation of LNG to any point of the world, as well as along the Northern Sea Route. Tankers Velikiy Novgorod and Pskov allow Gazprom to increase the volume of trade seriously and reinforce its positions on the global LNG market“, – said Deputy Chairman of the Management Committee of Gazprom Alexander Medvedev.
He added: “The expansion of the LNG tanker fleet with the addition of modern, high ice class vessels from the Velikiy Novogorod series marks an important stage in the implementation of the OAO Sovcomflot development strategy, which provides for significant growth in the gas transportation segment subject to the development of new industrial projects in the Russian Arctic. SCF fleet currently has 11 gas carriers. A further three vessels, including sistership of Velikiy Novogorod – LNG carrier Pskov, will be delivered within 2014-2015. Counting these deliveries SCF will be certain leader among the LNG operators of ice class gas carriers.
Source: SCFSovcomflot
