Gazprom mulls LNG tanker order

Gazprom Plc may place an order with Severnaya Verf plant for the construction of two LNG tankers to transport LNG from the Shtokman gas field offshore eastern Russia, said Gazprom Vice President Alexander Ananenkov.

Ananenkov said the Severnaya Verf plant, part of United Industrial Corporation (OPK), is the only enterprise in Russia with the ability to build these vessels and that 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.

Ananenkov said that ten gas carriers for the transportation of LNG will need to be constructed, as well as 80 vessels for servicing of the LNG platforms. Ananenkov noted that the Baltiysky plant, also a part of OPK, has great chance in securing an order.