Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) signed a contract with the Russian Zvezda shipyard for the construction of ice-class LNG carriers for the Arctic LNG 2 project and to provide technological support in this project.
Specifically, Zvezda Shipbuilding Complex, a new shipbuilding yard in Far East Russia, will cooperate with South Korean SHI to design LNG carriers that use LNG as a primary fuel featuring 45 MW of power capacity, comparable to that of a nuclear icebreaker, and safely carry LNG while breaking ice up to 2.1 metres thick in minus 52 degrees Celsius.
In light of this collaboration, an official of SHI stated
The contract we have signed proves that SHI has a competitive edge in icebreaking and LNG carriers. As we expand icebreaking technology into LNG carriers, we will be able to establish a solid foothold in the Arctic ships market.
During the signing ceremony, SHI announced that it will establish a joint venture with Zvezda for the construction of shuttle tankers, which demonstrates its willingness to enter into the Russian market.
In the meantime, it was recently reported that South Korean is planning to order a total of 140 LNG fueled ships during the next six years from 2020 to 2025. Thus, Hyundai Heavy Industries Group won orders for 26 LNG-fueled vessels, worth US$2.10 billion.
