Total announced that “Christophe de Margerie” LNG ship has started its Northern Sea Route (NSR) journey after loading its cargo at the Snohvit LNG export plant in Norway, in which the French major has an 18.4% interest.
It’s the first unescorted merchant vessel ever to take this route, which makes it possible to reach Asia via the Bering Strait in 15 days versus 30 days via the Suez Canal. The ship is planned to discharge its cargo at Boryeong LNG receiving terminal in South Korea for Total Gas & Power.
“This technological feat was made possible through the participation of Total teams to the design of these next-generation LNG carriers,” Total said, adding that “compilations of technology, they efficiently transport large quantities of LNG year-round, without requiring escort icebreakers during the period from July to November.”

The 173,600-CM Christophe de Margerie vessel was delivered by South Korean shipbuilder Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME) to its owner, the Russian shipping company Sovcomflot, in March 2017. She is the first of a total of 15 planned ARC-7 class ice-breaking LNG carriers that will be gradually deployed.
Theses LNG carriers have been specially designed for Russian Yamal LNG project, in which Total has a 20% interest. Ultimately, close to 16.5 MMT/Y of LNG will transit through the port of Sabetta, built specifically for the project.