Russian shipyard is another step nearer to building ARC7 LNG carriers

Written by Nick Blenkey
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Sovcomflot’s first ARC 7 icebreaking LNG carrier, Christophe de Margerie, was built in Korea, but Russia has big plans to build LNG carriers of this ice class at the Zvezda complex [Photo: Sovcomflot]

Russian plans to build ARC7 class LNG carriers domestically are moving forward. Paris-headquartered LNG containment system specialist GTT has signed a Technical Assistance and License Agreement (TALA) with the Russian shipyard Zvezda Shipbuilding Complex (Zvezda) covering the construction of LNG carriers using GTT membrane tank solutions.

This contract represents a new step forward in the deployment of GTT technologies in Russia. In particular, it will allow Zvezda to build ARC7 ice breaking LNG carriers fitted with the GTT membrane storage system: these highly innovative and unique LNGCs are intended to transport LNG produced in Russia.

Zvezda Shipbuilding Complex has been formed by the Zvezda Far Eastern Shipyard and the Consortium of Rosneftegaz, Rosneft and Gazprombank. Zvezda obtained its GTT license after a qualification process that began in September 2017, including the construction of a Mark III technology mock-up.

The shipyard plans to specialise in the construction of large-capacity vessels, ice-class ships, special vessels and marine equipment or offshore platforms. Construction of LNG carriers is one of the priority directions of the production program of the shipyard.

Philippe Berterottière, Chairman and CEO of GTT declared: “We are pleased to count Zvezda among our newbuilding partners and to participate in the development of new LNG infrastructures in Russia. The conclusion of this contract is the prelude to a lasting partnership between GTT’s French technologies and Zvezda’s expertise.”

Sergey Tseluyko, General Director of Zvezda Shipbuilding Complex, added on this occasion: “We are very proud to be licensed by GTT for Membrane technologies. This will allow us to offer reliable LNG solutions with GTT’s technologies in Russia.”

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