Russia's Sovcomflot considers acquiring LNG-fueled ships

Russia’s state-run shipping company Sovcomflot is considering the possibility of buying ships fueled by liquefied natural gas (LNG), the company's head Sergei Frank told reporters at the Transport of Russia exhibition on Wednesday.

"We are currently holding talks in other segments on vessels of other sizes. The LNG-fueled fleet will include not only Aframax tankers, but also MR class [Medium Range, medium-tonnage tankers] which will use the same technology - liquefied natural gas as primary fuel," Frank said.

"Now we are defining specifications of these vessels, since they must meet the long-term vision of the charterer. It’s still early to talk about the possible number of such vessels," he said adding that it will be "a series of vessels."

Sovcomflot is involved in hauling hydrocarbons and operational support on fields. In its corporate fleet, the shipping company has LNG carriers, crude oil tankers, product tankers, icebreaking support vessels, research and other vessels.

As of September 30, 2018, the group's fleet consisted of 147 own and chartered vessels with a total deadweight of 12.7 mln tonnes.