SMART LNG, a joint venture between Novatek and Pao Sovcomflot, ordered the new ice-class Arc7 tanker. Arctic LNG 2 and SMART LNG have previously signed charter agreements for the construction at the Zvezda Shipbuilding Complex of 14 related Arc7 LNG carriers.

The new Arc7 ice-class tankers are built to ensure year-round navigation along the Northern Sea Route, including its eastern section, and will have improved icebreaking and manoeuvring characteristics compared to the previous Arctic tanker type currently used by the Yamal LNG project.

“All Arc7 ice-class LNG carriers ordered by SMART LNG at Zvezda will be registered under the flag of the Russian Federation and will be fully equipped by Russian crews. To properly train the Arctic crews, it is now necessary to use the full potential of the Russian educational system, including the country's largest maritime educational Center – Maritime State University named after Admiral G.I. Nevelskoy in Vladivostok,” said Evgeniy Ambrosov, Novatek’s Deputy Chairman of the Management Board – Director for Marine Operations, Shipping and Logistics.

Maritime Business World