Russia Reflags, Renames Sanctioned ‘Shadow Fleet’ LNG Tankers Ahead of Suspected Arctic LNG 2 Startup

Four ice-strengthened newbuild LNG carriers have been reflagged to the Russian Federation along with name changes. The vessels are part of Russia’s emerging ‘shadow fleet’ designed to deliver sanctioned liquefied natural gas from the Arctic.

https://gcaptain.com/russia-reflags-renames-sanctioned-shadow-fleet-lng-tankers-ahead-of-suspected-arctic-lng-2-startup/

Russia’s New ‘Combat Icebreaker’ Undergoes Ice Trials Ahead of Joining Northern Fleet

Russia’s newest icebreaking patrol vessel, the 8,500-tonne Ivan Papanin, has completed the first series of ice trials in the Arctic Ocean. The 114 meter-long and 18 meter-wide armed icebreaker is scheduled to enter into service with the country’s Northern Fleet this summer.

https://gcaptain.com/russias-new-combat-icebreaker-undergoes-ice-trials-ahead-of-joining-northern-fleet/

US Coast Guard Negotiating With Finland’s Rauma Marine For Construction of Up to Five Icebreakers, Helsinki Press Reports

In what could dramatically accelerate expansion of U.S. Arctic capabilities the Coast Guard is reportedly in negotiations with Finnish shipbuilder Rauma Marine Constructions (RMC) for three to five medium-sized icebreakers….

https://gcaptain.com/us-coast-guard-negotiating-with-finlands-rauma-marine-for-construction-of-up-to-five-icebreakers-helsinki-press-reports/

US Coast Guard Seeking Information To Fast-Track Icebreaker Construction To Just 36 months

The U.S. Coast Guard has published a Request for Information (RFI) seeking input about construction of a medium-size icebreaker in just three years. The RFI is addressed to both U.S. and international shipyards highlighting the recent efforts to collaborate with Arctic partners in Canada and...

https://gcaptain.com/us-coast-guard-seeking-information-to-fast-track-icebreaker-construction-to-just-36-months/

First Arctic LNG Carrier Part of Russian ‘Shadow Fleet’ Heads to Chinese Shipyard For Possible Maintenance

After more than nine months at sea sanctioned LNG carrier East Energy (formerly Asya Energy) has pulled into a Zhoushan-based shipyard, likely to undergo maintenance or repairs. It is the first ‘shadow fleet’ LNG carrier of Arctic LNG 2 project visiting a Chinese yard. 

https://gcaptain.com/first-arctic-lng-carrier-part-of-russias-shadow-fleet-heads-to-chinese-shipyard-for-possible-maintenance/

Sanctioned Russian Arctic LNG Project Awakens After Winter With Gas Flaring Visible at Both Production Lines

Russia has apparently turned the lights back on at its sanctioned Arctic LNG 2 plant. Images taken by the European Sentinel 2 satellite reveal flaring at both production lines, Train 1 and Train 2, as well as the adjacent main flare. 

https://gcaptain.com/sanctioned-russian-arctic-lng-project-awakens-after-winter-with-gas-flaring-visible-at-both-production-lines/

Russia Conducts Rare Double Ship-to-Ship LNG Transfer to Circumvent Latest EU Sanctions

Just days after the EU banned the transshipment of Russian liquefied natural gas, Russia deployed four LNG carriers for an unusual double ship-to-ship transfer at the Kildin anchorage near Murmansk. The vessels are carrying superchilled gas from the Yamal LNG project operated by Russian company...

https://gcaptain.com/russia-conducts-rare-double-ship-to-ship-lng-transfer-to-circumvent-latest-eu-sanctions/