Interfax reports on upcoming launch of Russia's first ice-class tanker for transporting LNG

Interfax, citing a Sovcomflot official statement, reports that Russia's first ice-class tanker designed to transport liquefied natural gas (LNG) will soon be launched as a part of the Arctic LNG-2 fleet.

West-imposed restrictive measures have been hindering the export of LNG from the plant since it began operations in late 2023. With the launch of a new ice-class tanker, the situation should significantly improve, the news agency's experts believe. Back in 2024, the tanker started sea trials. The final stage of testing is scheduled to begin at the end of this month.

If the test is successful, the vessel will be put into operation in the second half of 2025, according to Sovcomflot CEO Igor Tonkovidov.

Russia's Novatek, which controls a 60% stake in the Arctic LNG-2 project, has announced the construction of 15 similar ice-class vessels at the Zvezda shipyard. In total, it has ordered 21 tankers to ensure steady LNG exports from its plant, Interfax reports.