Putin inspects Arc7 ice-class LNG carriers at Zvezda Shipyard as sanctions challenge Russia's Arctic LNG projects.
Putin's Visit to Zvezda Shipyard: Russia's Arctic Fleet Under Scrutiny
Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the Zvezda Shipyard during his trip to the Far East, where he examined ice-class LNG carriers designed to operate on the Northern Sea Route. Sanctions and the withdrawal of foreign partners have significantly reduced Russia's plans for Arctic LNG projects.
On September 2, Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the Zvezda Shipyard located in Bolshoy Kamen, near Vladivostok. During the visit, he inspected the Arc7 class icebreaker LNG carrier Pyotr Stolypin (IMO 9904675), which is designed to operate year-round on the Northern Sea Route.
The development of the Zvezda Shipyard is of strategic importance for Russia's Arctic maritime transportation goals. The shipyard is closely linked to the development of the Northern Sea Route and Russia's energy projects in the Far East and Arctic regions.
Ice-Class LNG Carriers on the Northern Sea Route
The vessels, based on the Samsung 172 Yamalmax design, are expected to operate in ice thicknesses of more than 2 meters along the Northern Sea Route.
One of the first and closest destinations for the tankers being constructed under this fleet will be Murmansk. The vessels are then planned to progress eastward via the Northern Sea Route to a transshipment terminal in Kamchatka and from there to China.
The tankers, which are planned to operate under the Russian flag, will be operated by Sovcomflot.
The lead vessel of the class, Aleksey Kosygin (IMO 9904546), is scheduled to make its first voyage to Gydan in December 2025. However, like the Pyotr Stolypin, the vessel is on the U.S. Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctions list.
Plan for 15 Tankers Reduced to Five
Initially, the construction of 15 LNG tankers in the Arc7 class was planned. The project involved Samsung and South Korea-based Hanwha Ocean, as well as French companies.
However, due to sanctions, the withdrawal of foreign partners from the project, and restrictions on access to specialized equipment, plans have changed. The number of orders has been reduced, and the completion of the five technically challenging vessels has been left to the Zvezda Shipyard.
Similar developments have occurred in the Arctic LNG 2 project. While three LNG production units were initially planned, only one unit could be completed due to sanctions and the withdrawal of foreign partners.
This situation has significantly reduced both the project's total capacity and the need for Arc7 tankers.
Zvezda's Infrastructure is Also Expanding
The construction of Arc7 tankers has led not only to an increase in shipyard capacity but also to the development of Russia's shipbuilding infrastructure.
As part of the work at Zvezda, special facilities are needed for the production of azimuth thrusters used in ice-class vessels, and a new foundry has been built to enable the production of large-format steel plates in the Primorye region.
The Arctic Region Holds Strategic Importance for Russia
The Northern Sea Route is at the center of Russia's energy exports and Arctic strategy. Previously usable only for a limited period during the year, the route has become viable for longer periods due to the reduction of Arctic ice and the deployment of nuclear-powered Russian icebreakers.
Russia aims to increase the capacity of this route, particularly for LNG and oil transportation. However, Western sanctions, restrictions on technology and equipment supply, and the withdrawal of foreign partners from projects complicate Moscow's Arctic energy plans.
Putin Also Inspected a Fishing Vessel
Another notable vessel in Putin's Far East program was the newly commissioned long-range deep-sea fishing vessel Kapitan Yunak (IMO 9901178).
The 9,055 gross ton vessel is among the prominent examples of Russia's new generation fishing fleet. It is also noteworthy that the vessel is not yet on any sanctions lists.
Putin's visit to Zvezda demonstrated that Russia continues to prioritize Arctic maritime transportation, LNG fleet, shipbuilding industry, and Far East infrastructure as strategic priorities amid the shadow of war and sanctions.
Source: SeaNews Türkiye
