The first modules for Train 1 of the Novatek-led Arctic LNG 2 project have reached the LNG Construction Center in Murmansk, Russia. Technip Energies, the project contractor, confirmed that the Arctic LNG 2 project is one of the world’s largest LNG projects under construction currently. Once completed it will feature three production trains with 6.6 million tons per annum of production capacity each.

On August 26, the two first pipe-rack modules left the Zhoushan port in China loaded onto GPO Heavylift’s semisubmersible vessel, GPO Grace. The modules, each weighing more than 9,000 tons are to be skidded onto the GBS (Gravity Base Structure) platform for Train 1, at the LNG Construction Center in Murmansk, Russia. Once the GBS1 platform is integrated with all topside modules, the complete structure will be towed to the western shore of the Gydan Peninsula, and placed onto the river bed in its final location. In total, three GBS platforms will be installed in Gydan.

Commenting on the project developments, Alain Poincheval, fellow executive project director of Arctic LNG 2 at Technip Energies, added that all the shipments and installations for the first GBS are set to be completed by the beginning of next year.

This engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) project will see three LNG trains built each on top of their individual concrete gravity-based structure (GBS) that will be floated into position at the shoreline off Gydan. Each of the three trains will deliver 6.6 million tons per annum of liquified natural gas, considered one of the key energy transition fuels as gas is 40 per cent less CO2 intensive than coal. The first train is expected to be launched in 2023.