With the assistance of Rosneft, Zvezda Shipbuilding Complex signed an agreement with the French Engineering Company Gaztransport & Technigaz (GTT) on technical evaluation of the potential of Shipbuilding Complex for construction of membrane systems for LNG storage with further acquisition of the GTT license for gas-carrier construction.
Rosneft says this agreement was signed as a follow up of agreements reached in June 2017 at Saint-Petersburg International Economic Forum.
The agreement envisages technical assessment of the shipyard according to GTT standards and development of the action plan that will let master the production of membrane type liquefied gas storage systems. After training of staff responsible for implementation of the project, Zvezda Shipbuilding Complex will fabricate full-scale model of GTT storage system and the French engineering company will be able to take decision about providing the shipyard with certification.
Zvezda Shipbuilding Complex plans to launch production of gas carrier vessels which are unique for Russia. Their construction is one of the priorities of the production program of the shipyard.
Gas carrier vessels may be in demand for a number of projects to develop offshore fields, as well as for transportation of natural gas produced in the Russian Federation.
GTT is a leading engineering company, an expert in membrane container systems used for the shipping and storage of liquefied gases, in particular LNG. For more than 50 years, GTT has been maintaining strong links with all gas industry participants (shipbuilding yards, ship owners, gas companies, marine terminal operators, ship-classification societies). The Company has been developing and providing technologies for gas-carrier vessels and floating terminals that integrate operating efficiency and safety. GTT has also been developing solutions for onshore storage of liquefied gases and use of liquefied natural gas as fuel for vessels, as well as a full range of miscellaneous services.
Zvezda Shipbuilding Complex is being created on the basis of the Zvezda Far Eastern Shipyard by the Consortium of Rosneftegaz, Rosneft and Gazprombank. The shipbuilding complex design provides for the construction of a heavy outfitting berth, a dry dock, full-cycle production shops, and shops for the construction of offshore marine facilities.
The Zvezda Shipbuilding Complex will produce heavy tonnage ships, elements of offshore platforms, ice-class vessels, special vessels and other marine equipment.