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LNG

Novatek on the lookout for ice-class tankers

The first LNG tankers to take the Northern Sea Route from Yamal are nearing China, while Novatek is securing additional shipping to take cargoes to Europe The first LNG tankers to take the Northern Sea Route from Yamal are nearing China, while Novatek is securing additional shipping to take cargoes to Europe.
By Andrew Walker 12 July 2018 0 31717
The Christophe de Margerie Arc7-class LNG carrier at Yamal The Christophe de Margerie Arc7-class LNG carrier at Yamal. (Novatek)

Novatek is chartering additional ice-class LNG carriers to maintain the offtake schedule at its Yamal plant in the Russian Arctic. But while the company will be paying a premium for the vessels, this will likely be offset by shorter transit times via the Northern Sea Route (NSR).

Asian customers will receive their first consignments of LNG from Yamal in the next few days. Two vessels carrying cargoes from the plant have successfully navigated the NSR and are expected to arrive in China next week.

Until now, Novatek...