Russia’s second domestically built ice-class LNG carrier heads to Arctic on first voyage

Russia's second domestically built ice-class LNG carrier, Konstantin Posiet, has embarked on its maiden voyage to the Arctic. Departing from Ussuri Bay in Russia's Primorsky Krai, the vessel is set to arrive on August 30, according to a Reuters report citing LSEG data. The ship, built at the Zvezda Shipbuilding Complex in Bolshoy Kamen, is designed to serve the Arctic LNG 2 project, which is under U.S. sanctions.

The Arc7-class tanker is capable of navigating through ice up to 2 meters thick, a crucial feature for operations in the Kara Sea and the Gulf of Ob during the harsh winter months when first-year ice can exceed 1.5 meters and pressure ridges obstruct lower-class vessels. This new tanker enables Arctic LNG 2 to conduct two to three shipments per month, even in extreme cold, preventing inventory buildup and ensuring exports of up to 250,000 metric tons of LNG monthly.

The continuous operation of liquefaction trains is maintained, as no production halts occur due to empty storage tanks. The shipyard had initially planned to construct 15 vessels of this type, but sanctions have caused delays. Another Arctic LNG 2 tanker, Merkuriy, is also in service. An NGO specializing in Arctic research highlights that these Arc7-class tankers will enable Novatek, the operator of Arctic LNG 2, to export liquefied natural gas year-round, a significant improvement over previous limitations.