Zvezda develops thruster tech and propulsion workshop

The project is seeking to develop a steerable thruster with a capacity from 11 to 15 MW for large-capacity vessels and ice-class LNG carriers.

Meanwhile, construction work on a dedicated propulsion manufacturing facility was completed on 28 January. The plant will develop propeller shaft and propulsion technology under a joint venture cooperation programme between Rosneft and General Electric, although some of the propulsion development work is being undertaken in Qatar.

The developments forms part of the Russian government’s strategy to develop civil shipbuilding and to develop the country’s technical ability to construct high-value added vessels, such as LNG carriers. The country regards the development of specialist shipbuilding expertise in ice-class vessels destined for the Northern Route as an area of strategic focus.

In September 2018, Zvezda and Korean shipbuilder Samsung Heavy Industries formed a joint venture to manage the construction of shuttle tankers between 42,000 DWT and 120,000 DWT at Zvezda Shipyard. Rosneft, which leads the consortium behind Zvezda, awarded the shipyard a contract to construct ten 42,000 DWT Arctic shuttle tankers. Local media reports noted earlier in January that gas producer Novatek had signed an agreement with Zvezda around the production of 14 ice-class LNG tankers, with Sovcomflot understood to be in line to take delivery of the first.