NOVATEK and Atomflot sign agreement on construction of LNG powered icebreakers
In the presence of RF Energy Minister Aleksandr Novak, PAO NOVATEK and FSUE Atomflot signed an agreement of intent to build and operate icebreakers powered by liquefied natural gas, Lev Feodosyev, First Deputy Chairman of NOVATEK Management Board, told IAA PortNews correspondent at the Eastern Economic Forum. According to the statement, those vessels will be operated in the Kara Sea and in Sabetta. They will feature lower endurance as compared with nuclear-powered icebreakers.
When speaking with journalist, Lev Feodosyev said the company is going to establish a joint venture with Atomflot to operate the icebreakers. The agreement provides for creation of a joint working group to address the issue with the decision expected before the end of 2018.
The companies are looking into construction of four icebreakers. A shipyard has not been selected yet.
According to NOVATEK representative, the company’s annual transportation of LNG by the Northern Sea Route will reach 40 million tonnes by 2024.
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