Shipping
Russia Sends Arctic LNG 2 Cargo East Along Northern Sea Route in Rare May Voyage
The icebreaking LNG carrier Christophe de Margerie loaded liquefied natural gas from Arctic LNG 2 on May 26 and sailed eastward in the Kara Sea as of May 28, attempting an unusually early eastbound transit of Russia's Northern Sea Route. The voyage reflects favorable ice conditions and mounting pressure on Moscow to sustain exports to Asia amid Western sanctions and vessel shortages. Industry estimates suggest Novatek may require more than 30 additional LNG carriers over the next 12 months to maintain year-round export capacity to Asian markets.
