Sovcomflot’s ice-class LNG carrier, Christophe de Margerie, is currently underway from Sabetta on the Yamal Peninsular to Jingtang in northern China and, according to AIS data, is due to arrive on 31 July. The world’s first ice-breaking LNG carrier has shown its incredible ability to serve the huge energy reserves located on the Yamal Peninsular.
Named in honour of the former Total chief executive and chairman who tragically died in a Moscow air accident in 2014, the Christophe de Margerie is one of a series of 15 ground-breaking ice-class ships designed to serve the Yamal LNG project, located deep in the Russian Arctic.
Recognised for his commitment to Russia’s oil and gas industry, Christophe de Margerie was posthumously awarded the nation’s Order of Honour by President Vladimir Putin. Widely credited with the meteoric rise of Total as an industry giant, Christophe de Margerie not only strengthened industry relations, but also bilateral French-Russian relations, too. His legacy of synergy and support lives on through this record-breaking vessel.
With an ability to travel to the peninsular without the aid of icebreakers, this vessel can access the Yamal LNG liquefaction plant all year-round – thanks to an innovative ability to run ahead and astern, depending on ice thickness. Similarly, manoeuvrability is aided by rudderless propulsion – powered by azimuth thrusters capable of rotating 360 degrees.
Its diesel engine also has the capacity to run on gas, which can produce enough energy and electricity from LNG for the ship’s propulsion and operating requirements. Working in such extreme environments called for specific and specially designed products – lubes that encourage seamless operations in difficult conditions.
Other than Total’s naming connection, Total Lubmarine is also proud to have supplied the vessel with a range of lubes that answer the challenges of operating in freezing conditions on the Northern Sea Route. Thanks to its extensive industry knowledge and experience, Total Lubmarine was able to provide a range of lubes, including auxiliary synthetic products designed for deck equipment, which are able to cope with temperatures as low as -60C. With very low temperature pour points coupled with anti-rust, excellent anti-wear and extreme pressure properties, Total Lubmarine’s Epona range of gear oils are designed to cope with the tough Arctic environment.
With the success of the Christophe de Margerie, Total Lubmarine looks forward to supporting Sovcomflot’s future ice-class endeavours.