MOL China Shipping J/V Orders NSR LNG Carriers

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) says its joint venture with China Shipping (Group) Company has signed shipbuilding contracts with Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME) in Korea to build three ice class LNG carriers for the [Russian] Yamal LNG project.

The ice class LNG carriers for the project will have independent ice-breaking capabilities that enable them to sail in icy seas with maximum 2.1m ice thickness. The vessels will be capable of transporting LNG from Yamal LNG plant at Sabetta in Yamal Peninsula, Russia, to main LNG markets in the world.

During summer period, the carriers will also be able to independently sail on Northern Sea Route (NSR) to transport LNG to East Asia.

MOL adds that it will bring to the project its 130 years of reliable navigation experience and through this new undertaking will develop the know-how and resources needed for ship operation on the Northern Sea Route.

Dimensions: Length: 299m, Breadth: 50m
Ship Type: 172,000 m³ membrane type
Specifications: Special specifications for Arctic environment