EventTwo ice‑class Arc‑4 LNG tankers—capacity about 174,000 m³—built in South Korea and previously operated by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines—are listed by Gas & Power Asia. Russian trade media refer to them as Neleus and Melicertes; photos show them on the Northern Sea Route. Neither Novatek nor MOL has confirmed the transfer.
Russia is boosting Arctic LNG transport capacity by acquiring two ice‑class LNG tankers, ‘North Ocean’ and ‘North Moon’, now registered to Novatek’s subsidiary. The vessels, each capable of carrying about 174,000 cubic metres of LNG and rated Ice Class Arc4, may alleviate bottlenecks for Arctic projects such as Arctic LNG 2, though their suitability for heavy ice year‑round remains limited and their future use has yet to be confirmed.
Novatek is adding at least two ice‑class gas carriers to its fleet to support Arctic liquefied natural gas projects, according to new data.
Novatek is adding at least two Arc4 ice‑class LNG carriers, built in South Korea in 2024‑25 and now operated from Panama under Novatek GasPower Asia, to ease fleet shortages for its Arctic LNG projects. The vessels, previously owned by Mitsui OSK Lines, now sail the Northern Sea Route and were removed from EU sanctions after guarantees.
