Steel cutting for 6th carrier in the series of ARC7 LNG carriers was started at Zvezda Shipbuilding Complex.  Ceremony took place in the Hull Fabrication Shop. The first part was cut on the the high-technology plasma cutting machine in the presence of representatives of the shipyard, Buyer and RMRS.

LNG carriers construction is one of the most technology-intensive processes in the world shipbuilding industry. Such projects can be implemented at Zvezda SSK due to the equipment unique for the Russian shipyards and cutting-edge, world class technologies. Zvezda SSK obtained an international license and became the only shipyard in the country where  LNG carriers with Mark III membrane-type LNG storage system can be fabricated.

ARC7 LNG carries are intended for transportation of liquefied natural gas and are able to operate in stern climatic conditions. The length of the vessel is 300 m, beam moulded is 48,8 m, cargo tank capacity is 172 600 m3.  These vessels are notable for higher  environmental safety as they are mainly fuelled by liquefied natural gas.

The vessel design allows to navigate in the ice over 2 m thick. The capability of LNG  carrier propulsion system of  is 45 MW.  The vessel is equipped with 3 unique PODs that are manufactured at the joint venture of Rosneft ang GE in Bolshoi Kamen.

LNG carriers are built for Arctic LNG2 Project on behalf of PAO NOVATEK.  New vessels construction is financed by VEB.RF. Zvezda SSK and VEB.RF Groups concluded the Contracts for construction of 15 LNG carriers for  liquefied gas transportation in difficult ice conditions of Northern Sea Route. The vessels will be operated under long-term time charter contracts of PAO Sovcomflot (for a pilot vessel) and LLC “SMART LNG” (an affiliated undertaking of Sovcomflot and NOVATEK Group of companies, for the rest of 14 vessels of the series) with LLC “Arctic LNG 2” (an affiliated undertaking of PAO NOVATEK).