Novatek, Rosatom to develop LNG-powered icebreaker fleet

Russia’s Novatek, the operator of the giant Yamal LNG export project, signed an agreement of intent with Russian state nuclear firm Rosatom to establish a joint venture.

Under the deal, the duo plans to establish a long-term partnership to jointly develop, finance and implement a project to create a liquefied natural gas (LNG)-fuelled icebreaker fleet, according to a Novatek statement on Wednesday.

The fleet would support Novatek’s Arctic projects in frozen areas along the Northern Sea Route as well as building port fleet and supply vessels, the statement said.

“We already have successful experience of working with Rosatom providing ice-breaker support for the LNG carriers of our Yamal LNG project,” Leonid Mikhelson, Novatek’s chief said.

“This agreement will facilitate the further development of an icebreaking fleet and support the growth of cargo traffic along the Northern Sea Route that is very important for our company and for Russia’s economy as a whole,”  Mikhelson added.