SPOTD: Sovcomflot's Newest LNG Carrier, the Velikiy Novgorod

Image: Gazprom

Sovcomflot, Russia’s largest shipping company held a naming ceremony today at STX Offshore & Shipbuilding celebrating their new ice-class 170,200 cbm LNG carrier, Velikiy Novgorod.

Velikiy Novgorod and her sister vessel Pskov were ordered by Sovcomflot to transport LNG for Gazprom group under long term charter contracts. The Velikiy Novgorod is the 5th LNG carrier in Gazprom’s tanker fleet.

The design of the gas-carriers was developed in collaboration with engineers from Gazprom, Sovcomflot, the Russian Maritime Register and the United Shipbuilding Company (OAO OSK).

sovcomflot Velikiy Novgorod — Velikiy Novgorod, Image: Sovcomflot

The second ship of the series, Pskov, is due for delivery in September 2014.

Sergey Frank, President and CEO of Sovcomflot commented on the occasion:

“The expansion of the LNG tanker fleet with the addition of modern, high ice class vessels from the Velikiy Novogorod series marks an important stage in the implementation of the OAO Sovcomflot development strategy, which provides for significant growth in the gas transportation segment subject to the development of new industrial projects in the Russian Arctic. SCF fleet currently has 11 gas carriers. A further three vessels, including sistership of Velikiy Novogorod – LNG carrier Pskov, will be delivered within 2014-2015. Counting these deliveries SCF will be certain leader among the LNG operators of ice class gas carriers.

The name of the tanker was a common decision with Gazprom. Velikiy Novgorod is one of Russia’s oldest cities with a glorious history going back to the establishment of the Russian State and the start of merchant shipping between Russia and Europe.

We are grateful to our partners for the trust they have placed in us and are pleased to offer them first-class, modern LNG transportation services – guaranteeing reliable, efficient and environmentally safe shipping.”