South Korea-based shipyard DSME has floated out the world’s first ice-breaking liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier constructed for Russian shipping company SCF Group.

Built at DSME’s Okpo Shipyard in Geoje, the 172,600-cbm vessel is the first of fifteen new LNG carriers hired to work on the USD 30 billion Yamal LNG project in the Russian Arctic.

The vessel, which will now undertake outfitting works, is expected to leave DSME’s yard in October. Afterwards, it will start trials at the Yamal project before its long-term charter contract commences in 2017.

Featuring a length of 299 meters and a width 50 meters, the carrier is capable of breaking 2.1 metre thick ice and operating in temperatures of minus 52 degrees centigrade.

World Maritime News Staff