The Arc7 ice-class LNG tanker, “Christophe de Margerie” successfully transited the Eastbound ice-covered part of the Northern Sea Route.
According to PAO NOVATEK, the voyage took place before the beginning of the summer navigation season in average ice conditions, with the maximum ice thickness on the route reaching 1.3 meters.
Namely, Christophe de Margerie left the port of Sabetta on 18 May 2020, passed the Ob Bay and a part of the Kara Sea without ice-breaker assistance and then met with Atomflot’s nuclear icebreaker ‘Yamal’, which escorted the tanker with ice navigation on the Еastern part of the NSR.
For the records, the vogaye lasted for 12 days.
The tanker is destined to deliver LNG cargo produced at Yamal LNG to China.
What is more, this is the first time that such large-capacity vessel of this type has crossed the NSR eastbound during May, as it is considered one of the most difficult months for navigation in the area.
We are grateful to the crews of the ‘Christophe de Margerie’ LNG tanker and the ‘Yamal’ nuclear icebreaker, who both demonstrated high professionalism in harsh Arctic conditions, representing the best traditions of the Russian school of navigation.
…Leonid Mikhelson, NOVATEK’s Chairman of the Management Board concluded.
