It’s on its way! After loading its cargo at the Snøhvit LNG export terminal in Norway, in which Total has an 18.4% interest, the Christophe de Margerie is taking the Northern Sea Route to Boryeong in South Korea, where it will deliver a cargo for Total Gas & Power. It’s the first unescorted merchant LNG vessel ever to take this route, which makes it possible to reach Asia via the Bering Strait in 15 days versus 30 days via the Suez Canal.

TOTAL inaugurates the Northern Sea Route with LNG carrier Christophe de Margerie
Caption: Its strong, ultra-lightweight steel reinforced hull makes it the largest commercial ship to receive Arc7 certification and allows it to sail through ice up to 2.1 meters thick. - Image courtesy of Total

This technological feat was made possible through the participation of Total teams to the design of these next-generation LNG carriers. Compilations of technology, they efficiently transport large quantities of LNG year-round, without requiring escort icebreakers during the period from July to November. The Christophe de Margerie is the first of a total of 15 planned LNG carriers that will be gradually deployed.

CHRIS. DE MARGERIE - IMO 9737187
Caption: The Christophe de Margerie, the first of the 15 ice-class LNG carriers that will transport natural gas from the Yamal LNG project, was christened in Saint Petersburg on June 3. - Image courtesy of Total

They have been specially designed for Yamal LNG, a flagship Total project (20%) in northern Russia to develop the giant onshore South Tambey gas and condensate field with the construction of a liquefaction plant. Ultimately, close to 16.5 million tons of LNG a year will transit through the port of Sabetta, built specifically for the project.They have been specially designed for Yamal LNG, a flagship Total project (20%) in northern Russia to develop the giant onshore South Tambey gas and condensate field with the construction of a liquefaction plant. Ultimately, close to 16.5 million tons of LNG a year will transit through the port of Sabetta, built specifically for the project.

Caption: The ceremony was attended by Vladimir Putin but also Patrick Pouyanné, Chairman and CEO of Total and Leonid Mikhelson, Chairman and CEO of Novatek. - Image courtesy of Total
CHRIS. DE MARGERIE - IMO 9737187
Caption: Operated by Sovcomflot on behalf of Total, Novatek, CNPC and the Silk Road Fund, this 300 meter long carrier has a capacity of 172,600 cubic meters of LNG. - Image courtesy of Total
CHRIS. DE MARGERIE - IMO 9737187
Caption: The equipment on the ship's deck is designed to operate at very low temperatures. It is winterized using special materials and advanced thermal insulation. - Image courtesy of Total
Caption: The ship will transport LNG produced at Yamal LNG, which is the largest industrial project in Russia's Far North and includes 200 wells, an airport and three LNG trains with a capacity of 5.5 million metric tons each. - Image courtesy of Total
Caption: In the winter, the Christophe de Margerie will take a western shipping route. In the summer, it will travel to Asia by a new northeastern route, embodying the pioneering spirit of Total and its partners. - Image courtesy of Total

Source: TOTAL