Kongsberg tech picked for Novatek’s Arctic LNG tankers

Norwegian maritime technology group Kongsberg Maritime has been contracted by Novatek to deliver deck machinery for six ice class LNG carriers.

The LNG carriers will be built by Korean shipyard Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME) and will be operating in the waters of northwest Siberia. Each will be equipped with two combined windlasses and mooring winches capable of handling a 17-tonne anchor with a 111mm anchor chain, plus a further seven mooring winches.

The vessels are designed to operate under temperatures as low as -52°C. The windlasses and mooring winches will also feature a modification in the form of an electrically-operated, spring-loaded band brake.

Kongsberg Maritime SVP deck machinery motion control Espen Liset said: “These Ice Class Arc7 are made to navigate winter/spring ice thickness of up to 1.8m. Our customised deck machinery system is designed for ease of installation and reliable operation in such harsh environments. Selecting our stainless-steel brake drum surfaces allows consistent smooth operation.”

The contract leaves the option for four more LNG carriers in the future.

Kongsberg Maritime will also supply control systems and load monitoring for the winches. Further integration to Kongsberg automation systems will be available as an option.