![\"Alexey](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.marineinsight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Alexey-Kosygin.jpg?resize=1200%2C628\")
Russia\u2019s Arc7 ice-class LNG carrier Alexey Kosygin has completed its first delivery of liquefied natural gas.<\/p>\n
The vessel delivered LNG to the Saam floating storage unit (FSU) in Ura Bay near Murmansk in early February after loading cargo from Arctic LNG 2 on the Gydan Peninsula.<\/p>\n
The delivery confirms that Russia is continuing to develop winter-capable LNG transhipment operations in the Arctic.<\/p>\n
The entry of Alexey Kosygin into service supports Novatek\u2019s plan to maintain a four-day turnaround between the Arc7 carriers Christophe de Margerie and Alexey Kosygin.<\/p>\n
This is intended to ease winter logistics by allowing regular shuttle operations between the Gulf of Ob and Murmansk.<\/p>\n
Built at the Zvezda shipyard in Russia with technical cooperation from Samsung Heavy Industries, the vessel was commissioned in December 2025.<\/p>\n
It sailed from Bolshoy Kamen in the Russian Far East along the Northern Sea Route to reach Arctic LNG 2, before continuing to the Barents Sea.<\/p>\n
Its operator Sovcomflot reported that the ship carried out preliminary trials of independent ice navigation during the voyage.<\/p>\n
According to the company, the vessel demonstrated stronger ice performance than earlier Arc7 LNG carriers that previously served the Yamal LNG project.<\/p>\n
Alexey Kosygin is now operating within the Arctic LNG 2 logistics system, in which ice-class LNG carriers transport cargoes from the liquefaction plant to Murmansk.<\/p>\n
From there, LNG is transferred to conventional tankers for onward delivery to overseas markets, avoiding European ports.<\/p>\n
While the first delivery improves short-term winter operations, Russia\u2019s LNG export strategy faces increasing challenges.<\/p>\n
A European Union ban on LNG imports from Russia is scheduled to begin on 1 January 2027. This is expected to force Novatek to send cargoes on longer routes to Asian markets and to destinations such as Turkey and Egypt, increasing overall shipping distances.<\/p>\n
Analysts estimate that Novatek may need between 32 and 40 additional conventional or low ice-class LNG carriers, depending on whether vessels use the Suez Canal or sail around South Africa.<\/p>\n
At present, Arctic LNG 2 is supported by a mixed fleet of nine conventional and low ice-class LNG carriers, with one vessel being converted into a floating storage and regasification unit.<\/p>\n
Even with two Arc7 vessels now in service, analysts believe the current fleet will not be sufficient to support exports beyond 2026.<\/p>\n
Looking ahead, Novatek may need to increase its effective LNG carrier capacity by up to 50 vessels to maintain output from both Yamal LNG and Arctic LNG 2 through the winter of 2027.<\/p>\n
This would be required in a global market where LNG shipping capacity remains tight.<\/p>\n
Further difficulties are emerging from restrictions on maritime services. A pending UK ban could limit access to shipyards, while French yard Damen has reportedly stopped dry-dock work on Arc7 vessels.<\/p>\n
This leaves Denmark\u2019s Fayard AS as the only European yard able to carry out major maintenance.<\/p>\n
In addition, some equipment suppliers have restricted the supply of spare parts unless guarantees are provided that they will not be used on Arc7 ships.<\/p>\n
References: EA Daily, Ship Universe<\/p>\n<\/div>\n