The Vladimir Rusanov completed the Northern Sea Route (NSR) passage via the Eastern direction and transited the ice-covered part of the route in only six days, setting a new record for independent passage via the NSR without ice-breaking support with cargo onboard.
The net voyage time from Sabetta to Tianjin was completed in a record 16 days, which is less than half the time required to transport a cargo of LNG along the traditional westbound route via the Suez Canal and Strait of Malacca.
Robust design
“For the second year in a row, our Arc7 ice-class LNG tankers were once again the first ships to open the summer navigation period via the Northern Sea Route,” noted first deputy chairman of the management board, Lev Feodosyev.
“This voyage set a number of records for the passage time of the ice part of the NSR, and for the total voyage time to China from the Russian Arctic region.
“These achievements were made possible due to the accumulated ice navigation experience and the outstanding ice performance characteristics of LNG tanker fleet designed specifically for our Yamal LNG project.
“We will continue to optimize our logistical model to ensure competitive LNG supplies to key global consuming markets.”
Novatek took control of Yamal LNG IN 2009.