Russian Class Society in partnership with French LNG firm

Russian Maritime Register of Shipping (RS) and Gaztransport & Technigaz (GTT) have entered into a Cooperation Agreement to further enhance their common capabilities for Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Carriers in various environments.

It follows the Approval in Principal granted by RS to GTT technologies in 2010. Since then RS and GTT have continued their discussions which have led to the agreement.

GTT, a French engineering company which specialises in providing cargo containment systems for LNG carriers, says that it has already engaged in partnerships with several Russian entities, including the Krylov Shipbuilding Research Institute, to validate its technologies in the harsh Arctic conditions.

GTT, whose containment systems are capable of carrying other liquefied gases including Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), can provide for existing vessels that have a capacity ranging from 20,000 to 266,000 m3.

“It is a great honour for us to sign this agreement with RS which has a unique knowledge in Arctic sea navigation”, said Philippe Berterottière, GTT President and CEO.

RS CEO, Mikhail Ayvazov, said: “It is a big step towards classification of the membrane type LNG carriers intended for Arctic operations. In view of the growing interest for navigation along the Northern Sea Route we just should not let this opportunity pass.”

In August, GTT was also invited by the Chinese based Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding (Group) Co., Ltd. to participate in R&D exchange on the building of small and medium-sized LNG carriers. China’s need for LNG transport carriers is growing, with LNG shore stations increasing in numbers in order to meet the country’s demand for natural gas.