MOL Nets Charter in Russia for New Ice-breaking Condensate Carrier
Japanese shipping giant Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) has signed a charter contract for a newbuilding ice-breaking tanker that will transport condensate from the Arctic LNG 2 Project on Russia’s Gydan Peninsula.
The contract was signed by a MOL subsidiary with the project company, whose largest shareholder is Russia-based PAO NOVATEK.
The vessel, slated for delivery in 2024, will be constructed in China by Guangzhou Shipyard International Company, a subsidiary of China State Shipbuilding Corporation Limited (CSSC).
The contract follows the October 2020 signing of charter contracts for three ice-breaking LNG vessels to serve for the same project.
The vessel will transport condensate from the LNG/condensate plant inside the Arctic Circle on the Gydan Peninsula, mainly to Europe (westbound) via the Northern Sea Route.
MOL has operated three ice-breaking LNG carriers on the Northern Sea Route for the Yamal LNG Project since March 2018. In addition, three ice-breaking LNG carriers for the Arctic LNG 2 Project are scheduled to go into service in 2023.
| Main dimensions | Length: 214m, Breadth: 34m |
| Cargo hold capacity | 54,800 m3 |
| Ice Class: Specifications | RMRS ARC7 Polar Service Temperature: -50 ºC |
| Ice-breaking sailing capabilities | Maximum icebreaking capacity: 1.5m thick at ahead / 1.8m at astern with icebreaker bow structure and 2-shaft POD propeller |
| Shipyard | Guangzhou Shipyard International Company Limited |