Russian Smart LNG, a joint venture of Sovcomflot and Novatek, has locked a lease from VEB.RF to provide finance for four icebreaking LNG carriers for the Arctic LNG 2 project.
Smart LNG also inked long-term charter agreements for these tankers with Arctic LNG 2, as Sovcomflot revealed in a statement. The vessels will be constructed at Zvezda Shipbuilding Complex in the Russian Far East.
It is reported that the design of the new icebreakers is drawn upon the experience of the currently operating Christophe de Margerie, the world’s first icebreaking LNG carrier, introduced in 2017. The example of Christophe de Margerie led to the integration of several advanced engineering solutions into the design. Thus, the new icebreakers will have improved icebreaking capabilities and maneuverability when sailing in the challenging weather conditions across both the Western and the Eastern sectors of the Russian Arctic.
Moreover, it is noted that the vessels will fly under the Russian Federation Flag, while the Russian Maritime Register of Shipping (RS) will provide technical supervision during the construction of the vessel series.
Sovcomflot and Novatek established SMART LNG in September 2019, to own and operate a fleet of LNG carriers serving the Arctic LNG 2 projects, as well as other current and prospective Novatek’s projects.
