Arc7 LNG Carrier Alexey Kosygin Begins Arctic Operations along Northern Sea Route

The newly launched Arc7 ice-class LNG carrier, Alexey Kosygin, has officially set sail from Russia’s Far East, marking the start of its first Arctic mission along the Northern Sea Route (NSR). The vessel, operated by state-owned Sovcomflot, will support Novatek’s Arctic LNG 2 (ALNG2) project, signaling continued Arctic energy activity despite international sanctions.

Transferred just over a week ago from the Zvezda shipyard to Sovcomflot, Alexey Kosygin is now heading north to the Utrenniy terminal on the Gydan Peninsula. Industry analysts suggest the voyage will include ice trials, testing the vessel’s capabilities during the harsh winter months when conventional LNG carriers cannot navigate these routes.

On January 6, the carrier made contact with the Koryak floating storage unit (FSU), likely conducting berthing and ship-to-ship operations tests with its crew. Experts, including shipping analyst Kjell Eikland, noted that while both vessels may have minimal LNG onboard, preparations for additional fuel and operational readiness are underway.

Sovcomflot obtained Northern Sea Route navigation approval just days before departure, with the permit issued on December 30 and finalized by January 5. This clearance allows the vessel to navigate independently, without an icebreaker, along designated sections of the NSR until January 31, enough time to complete initial trials and reach ALNG2.

Significantly, from February 1, the permit will allow independent navigation in challenging ice conditions, covering routes from ALNG2 through Ob Bay into the Kara Sea and toward Barents Sea transshipment points. This positions the vessel for full operational readiness in Arctic conditions.

Ice trials are expected to last roughly three weeks, with the nuclear-powered icebreaker Sibir nearby to provide guidance or support as needed. Analysts say this deployment reflects Novatek’s urgency to expand operations and reduce reliance on its other Arc7 LNG vessel, Christophe de Margerie, which currently handles shuttle services between ALNG2 and the Saam FSU.

Once trials are complete, Alexey Kosygin will enhance Novatek’s logistics in the Arctic, reducing winter production interruptions caused by vessel shortages. Together with Christophe de Margerie, the carrier is expected to double Novatek’s winter LNG export capacity, offering more reliable and flexible upstream operations in the Arctic.

“The key advantage of Alexey Kosygin is improved regularity and operational flexibility, ensuring a steady link between Arctic production sites and export terminals,” Eikland added.

With this mission, the vessel strengthens Russia’s Arctic LNG infrastructure and highlights the strategic importance of ice-class LNG carriers in sustaining year-round operations along the Northern Sea Route.