Russia again relies on the sole icebreaker to continue LNG exports from the sanctioned Arctic LNG 2 this winter. According to media reports, the icebreaker tanker Christophe De Margerie has berthed at the plant in the Arctic region and is preparing to ship the third batch on December 20.
According to the publication, this vessel remains the only active one in Russia’s “shadow” LNG fleet capable of traversing ice-covered waters year-round. In winter, the ice around Arctic LNG 2 becomes too thick for ordinary ships, and last month one of the tankers was forced to suspend loading due to the ice.
Currently, Christophe De Margerie, built to the Arc7 design, has already delivered the last two cargoes to the Saam floating storage in the Murmansk region. Fuel from the storage can be loaded onto ordinary vessels and sent to China – the sole buyer of Russia’s sanctioned LNG.
This trading link is likely to persist until the opening of a shorter eastern sea route when the ice melts in summer.
The Role of the Sole Icebreaker and Prospects
According to media reports, using a single icebreaker allows Arctic LNG 2 to operate at about 25% of its capacity. Last month Russia completed the construction of the first domestic ice-class tanker, the Alexei Kosygin, which is also heading to the Arctic from the east.
These ships could help boost exports from the same plant and support LNG deliveries under existing sanctions. Arctic LNG 2, Saam, and Christophe De Margerie have been subject to sanctions by the administration of former U.S. President Joe Biden.
As reported by information sources, the LNG production plant in the Russian Arctic continues to ship fuel: Moscow is seeking ways to circumvent Western restrictions and is testing the position of U.S. President Donald Trump.
Such steps underscore Russia’s dependence on Arctic infrastructure and the single icebreaker that allows maintaining supplies even under tightened sanctions and difficult ice conditions.