Christophe de Margerie is the first and so far the only highest ice-class gas carrier in the world. The unique vessel was built by Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering by order of the Sovcomflot group of companies for year-round transportation of LNG within the Yamal LNG project. The vessel was commissioned on March 27, 2017 after the successful completion of the ice tests that took place in the Kara Sea and the Laptev Sea. The LNG carrier Christophe de Margerie has overall length of 299.00 m, moulded beam of 50.00 m and maximum draft of 11.70 m. The length between perpendiculars of the gas carrier is 282.00 m, the deadweight is 80,200 DWT and the gross register tonnage is 128,806 GRT. The vessel is capable of carrying 172,600 cbm of cargo. The tank containment system aboard the ship Christophe de Margerie incorporates NO96 GW membrane technology developed by Gaz Transport & Technigaz. The ship is also fitted with reinforced plywood boxes with glass wool to provide insulation.









The gas carrier Christophe de Margerie is able to independently overcome ice thickness of up to 2.10 m. The vessel has an ice class Arc7, which is the highest among existing transport vessels. The propulsion capacity of the ship is 45 MW, which is comparable to the capacity of a modern nuclear icebreaker. The high ice breakability and maneuverability of the Christophe de Margerie is provided by the Azipod-type helical-type columns, while it became the first high-class ice vessel in the world, on which three Azipods were installed. The main engine of the gas carrier is consisted of four 12-cylinder and two 9-cylinder Wartsila 50DF diesel fuel engines, as well as an electric propulsion system. The 9-cylinder variant generates a rated power of 11,500 hp, while the 12-cylinder variant is rated at 15,300 hp. The four-stroke Wartsila 50DF engines, which run on LNG and light or heavy fuel oils, deliver a total power output of 86,300 hp.

The gas carrier has the ability to withstand temperatures of -50 degrees Celsius when operating in arctic environments.

The LNG carrier Christophe de Margerie is operating under the flag of Cyprus with IMO number 9737187, MMSI 212611000 and call sign 5BNR4.

Christophe de Margerie specification

Length: 299.00 m

Width: 50.00 m

Draft: 11.70 m

Deadweight: 80,200 DWT

Gross Tonnage: 128,806 GRT

Cargo Capacity: 172,600 cbm

Engine: four Wartsila 12V50DF and two Wartsila 9V50DF

Engine power: 86,300 kW

Speed: 18.0 kts

Christophe de Margerie photos