Russia's Sovcomflot is to declare a pair of optional LNG-carrier newbuildings at STX Offshore & Shipbuilding no later than this month.
Industry sources say Sovcomflot is likely to firm up a charter deal on the two so-called Atlanticmax ships with energy major Shell next week that will enable it to finalise shipbuilding contracts on the vessels by mid-January.
The two newbuildings are expected to be virtual sisters to the pair of 170,200㎥ membrane-type tri-fuel, ice-class LNG carriers Sovcomflot ordered on the back of 15-year-plus time-charter business with Gazprom Global LNG (GGLNG) in June.
The upcoming vessels are currently pencilled in for delivery dates in 2015.
Shell is understood to want the ships to be compatible with loading from its planned floating LNG unit and is seeking an improved boil-off rate on vessels that will have reinforced NO96 membrane-type containment systems.
Sovcomflot is believed to hold a further option for LNG carrier at the South Korean yard.
Shell is already working with Sovcomflot on LNG-carrier construction. Earlier this year, the two companies and Russia’s United Shipbuilding Corp (USC) signed a trilateral strategic agreement on LNG-technology transfer. The tie-up is part of the effort to move Russian shipyards into a position where they can undertake LNG-carrier construction.
The two ships Sovcomflot is building for GGLNG will be built with the participation of USC.
USC and STX have also signed a protocol of intent involving a stage-by-stage preparation and subsequent start of production of LNG carriers in Russia by 2015.