Gazprom mulls LNG tanker order

Gazprom Plc may place an order with Severnaya Verf plant for the construction of two liquefied natural gas (LNG) tankers to transport LNG from the Shtokman gas field offshore eastern Russia, said Gazprom Vice President Alexander Ananenkov. Ananenkov said Severnaya Verf plant, part of United Industrial Corporation (OPK), is the only enterprise in Russia with the ability to build such particular vessels.
Gazprom will prepare contracts to start the construction the first vessels. The details for the tender on the construction of the two vessels will be drawn up during the fourth quarter of 2009. The tender will then be formal, said Ananenkov.
Ananenkov said it would be necessary for OPK to renovate the plant's facilities to build this type of vessel. OPK reported that the company has already started the construction of a shipbuilding complex for large-capacity vessels.
Ananenkov said that 10 platforms to allow for the transportation of LNG will need to be constructed, as well as 80 vessels for servicing of the platforms. Ananenkov noted that the Baltiysky plant, also a part of OPK, also has great chance in securing an order.