Lack of Arctic Tankers Puts Russia's LNG Development Dreams on Ice
Russia is hoping its shipments of liquefied natural gas (LNG) will offset a sharp fall in pipeline gas exports to Europe, but a shortage of gas tankers and sanctions hold back its plans, analysts and industry sources said.Russia wants to boost its share of the LNG market to 20% by 2030 from 8% now, but a force majeure declaration by top producer Novatek over LNG supplies from its future Arctic LNG 2 project due to sanctions shows the hurdles it faces.Novatek's announcement comes after the United States last month imposed sanctions on Arctic LNG 2…
Parker Bestobell Secures $5mln Contract
Parker Bestobell Marine, a supplier of cryogenic valves and part of Parker, a global leader in motion and control technologies, has secured a nine vessel order, worth $5m, making it the single biggest order that the company to date. The contract is with DSME (Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering) in South Korea to supply cryogenic globe and the vessels are part of a series of 15 liquid natural gas (LNG) carriers destined for the Yamal gas field in Russian Siberia. Parker Bestobell Marine has already secured orders for the other six vessels.
Parker to Supply Three Arctic Vessels
Parker Bestobell Marine, a supplier of cryogenic valves and part of Parker, a leader in motion and control technologies, has received a major new order from DSME (Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering) in South Korea to supply cryogenic valves for three new vessels. The company’s valves will be used in the cargo handling systems, including the main discharge line that controls the initial flow of LNG from the cargo tanks when pumping starts. The three vessels are part of the…
Evergas Orders Four Ethylene Vessels
Copenhagen-headquartered gas tanker carrier Evergas has just ordered four ethylene/ethane newbuildings, with an option for two more. The contract for the four newbuildings, each sized 32,000 cu m, has also been signed by Hong Kong engineering company JHW Engineering & Contracting. Despite having dimensions similar to previous vessels, the new vessels have a bigger capacity. Evergas said it expects to start taking delivery of the carriers from the first quarter of 2018. The dual-fuelled vessels which will use LNG to power their engines “will release the LNG transportation capacity of the existing Dragon series of LNG carriers,” according to Evergas.
JHW Engineering, Evergas Ink Tanker Deal
Evergas and JHW Engineering & Contracting have entered into an agreement for the construction of four option two INEOS MAX 32,000M3 liquefied ethane/ethylene carriers. The INEOS MAX 32,000M3 liquefied ethane/ethylene carriers are expected to carry a range of innovative features specifically tailored for safe, environmentally friendly and efficient operations. The cargo capacity has been increased more than 10% by optimizing the design of cargo tanks as well as layout of ship, without changing the main dimensions compared to the latest designs of 27,500 M3 class gas carriers. The dual fuel propulsion flexibility including LNG and ethane and the optimized ECO hull design will significantly reduce emissions, and the ballast water treatment system will protect the sea water environment.
Sovcomflot Concludes $319 mi 10-year Loan
OAO Sovcomflot (SCF Group) signed a new USD 319 million 10 year credit facility with a consortium of leading European banks with ING acting as Agent. The funds will be used towards financing two new ice-class LNG carriers SCF Melampus and SCF Mitre, which will operate on long-term contracts with the Shell Group. The new high-spec Atlanticmax Ice2 (1C) class gas carriers feature a tri-fuel engine, a cargo capacity of 170,000m³ and are equipped for operating in harsh and low temperature conditions. The vessels’ design is optimised to provide the utmost trading flexibility to their charterers, as they are able to transport LNG year round to and from most of the world’s existing LNG terminals.
Russian Class & Arctic Operations
When it comes to Arctic operations, the Russians arguably have more hands-on experience and investment than any other nation. With that in mind, Maritime Reporter spoke recently with Georgiy Bedrik, Head of the RS Business Development Division, for his input on RS and matters of the Arctic, maritime and offshore. Please give a brief description of the market you serve. In maritime, RS renders a full scope of classification services for ships including plan approval, survey under construction and in operation, as well as statutory surveys in compliance with international codes and conventions.
Russian LNG Carrier Launched
Sovcomflot’s new state-of-the-art LNG carrier 'Velikiy Novgorod' launched from STX Offshore & Shipbuilding shipyard. The Velikiy Novgorod was ordered by OAO Sovcomflot for operations under a long-term agreement with Gazprom Global LNG (part of Gazprom) as the first of two vessels ordered by SCF from STX Offshore & Shipbuilding Co. Ltd and her construction is scheduled to be completed in December, 2013. At the end of June, 2012, a steel cutting ceremony was held for the second gas carrier in the same series, Pskov, which is due to be delivered in 2014.
