Gazprom and Sovcomflot Sign a Cooperation Agreement on Shtokman Field LNG Transportation (Russia)

During the XIV International Economic Forum in Saint Petersburg Alexey Miller, Chairman of the Management Committee of Gazprom and Sergey Frank, Director General of Sovcomflot signed a Cooperation Agreement on marine transportation of the Shtokman field liquefied natural gas (LNG).

In particular, the document envisages interaction of the companies in developing LNG transportation logistic schemes, determining the appropriate specifications for gas carriers and configuring the fleet required for the Shtokman project implementation.

Priority will be given to Russian shipbuilding companies when placing orders on a competitive basis under otherwise equal conditions.

“Gazprom aims at making the maximum use of the domestic companies’ potential in developing Russia’s offshore fields, primarily, the unique Shtokman field.

Our main objectives are reliability, security and efficiency. In this regard, introduction of state-of-the-art technologies, development of the domestic engineering industry and creation of strong economic ties are the necessary preconditions for further development of the new oil and gas production region on the Arctic shelf,” said Alexey Miller.

“Our companies have a long-lasting history of successful cooperation within the Sakhalin II project execution and the Prirazlomnoye field development.

When implementing the Shtokman project we are ready to share with our colleagues the best practices of supervision over the LNG carrier construction and operation processes,” noted Sergey Frank.

Among the innovative solutions to be used in designing shipboard equipment, systems, mechanisms and insulation materials is the Green Ship Technology that allows to significantly mitigate the adverse environmental impact.

Moreover, the dual-fuel diesel engines capable of running both on liquid fuel and on natural gas are planned to be used in order to cut down hazardous emissions and raise the engine efficiency.

Onshore power supply in ports, for cargo handling, inter alia, will help mitigate the environmental impact.

[mappress]

Source: gazprom, June 21, 2010;