A large-scale project for developing gas fields is in full swing as Samsung Heavy Industries has been selected as a technological partner of Arctic LNG carriers for Arctic LNG 2 project of Russia to assist Zvezda with the construction of Arctic LNG carriers and to provide technological support.

On September 4, SHI has announced that it signed a contract with Zvezda Shipbuilding Complex, a new shipbuilding yard located in the Far East of Russia, for designing icebreaking LNG carriers during the 5th Eastern Economic Forum, held in Vladivostok, Russia.

SHI will design LNG carriers that use LNG as primary fuel featuring 45 MW of power capacity, comparable to that of a nuclear icebreaker, and safely carry LNG while breaking ice up to 2.1 metres thick in minus 52 degrees Celsius.

SHI has secured expertise in icebreaking and winterization. In 2005, it entered into the icebreaking cargo ships market by winning an order for the world's first Arctic shuttle tanker that can both advance and reverse. In 2008, it received an order for the world's first drillship for the Arctic regions and successfully delivered it. It also has accumulated experience in building LNG fleets by obtaining orders for more than 140 LNG carriers.

"The contract we have signed proves that SHI has a competitive edge in icebreaking and LNG carriers. As we expand icebreaking technology into LNG carriers, we will be able to establish a solid foothold in the Arctic ships market," said an official of SHI.

Meanwhile, on the same day, SHI confirmed the establishment of a joint venture with an aim of assisting Zvezda with constructing shuttle tankers, which demonstrates its willingness to enter into the Russian market.

Samsung Heavy claims to have won 60 out of 138 orders for shuttle tankers placed to date globally, occupying 43% of the global market share.

About Samsung Heavy Industries

Samsung Heavy Industries has successfully completed many of the world's first and largest shipbuilding and offshore EPC projects, with sole aim to establish global leadership in each of the participating market segments.

Most notably, it has achieved unbeatable leadership in the high-tech high-value shipbuilding sector by maintaining the world’s No. 1 share in the drill ship, LNG carrier and FPSO markets.

The company has developed and built the first Arctic Shuttle-Tanker and LNG-FPSOs in the world, and has pioneered new market developments by developing innovative products such as LNG-FSRU, and various ships for polar applications, Arctic Ice-Breaker Container Ships.

In the offshore facilities sector, the company has fortified its reputation through its excellent technology and rich experience, by successfully delivering the world’s largest semi-submerged offshore drilling platform.

About Zvezda

Zvezda Shipbuilding Complex is a project of strategic importance for the Far Eastern region and the domestic shipbuilding industry, that is implemented under the authority of the Russian President, the Government of the Russian Federation and the Consortium of JSC Rosneftegaz, Rosneft and Gazprombank. The construction of the complex was started in 2009.

The largest shipbuilding complex in the country is being created in the Bay of Bolshoy Kamen, Primorsky Krai on the basis of the Far Eastern Shipbuilding and Ship-Repairing Center (FESSC) and the Far Eastern Shipyard “Zvezda”.