South Korean shipbuilder Daewoo Shipbuilding Marine Engineering (DSME) completed the construction of the first Arctic LNG carrier, the Christophe de Margerie.

According to the shipbuilder’s statement, the vessel, named after former Total’s CEO who died in a tragic plane crash at the end of 2014, is scheduled to set out for its sea trials in the Arctic sea to test its icebreaking capabilities during the week, after 30 months of construction.

Following the completion of sea trials, the 172,600-cbm LNG carrier will be delivered to its owner, Sovcomflot, at the end of January.

The Arc7 ice class Christophe de Margerie will be able to navigate in ice fields of up to 2.1 meters thick as its bow and stern are covered with 70 millimeters of steel plates capable of withstanding temperatures of -52°C.

DSME has further 14 Arctic LNG carrier on order, all contracted to serve the Yamal LNG project in Russia.

Christophe de Margerie is the only vessel ordered by Sovcomflot while the remaining 14 vessels are owned by MOL (three) Teekay (six) and Dynagas (five). Deliveries of the remaining newbuilds are scheduled over the next four years.

Sourced by ekomeri.com