Russia Celebrates delivery of First Domestic LNG Tanker
On December 25, 2025, a significant milestone in Russian maritime history was achieved with the handover of the Alexey Kosygin, the first LNG tanker built in Russia. The ceremony took place at the Zvezda shipyard, where the vessel was officially delivered to PJSC Sovcomflot. This icebreaking tanker is the lead ship in a series constructed for the Arctic LNG-2 project. The event was graced by the presence of President Vladimir Putin, who participated in the naming ceremony, honoring the legacy of Alexei Kosygin, a notable Soviet politician and twice Hero of Socialist Labor.
Zvezda Shipyard: A Hub for Advanced Shipbuilding
The Zvezda Shipyard, located in Bolshoy Kamen, Primorsky Krai, is at the forefront of constructing complex civil vessels. Established under the directive of the Russian President, the shipyard is operated by Rosneft, which plays a crucial role in enhancing the country’s shipbuilding capabilities. The production of LNG carriers at Zvezda not only bolsters Russia’s maritime industry but also aligns with national strategic goals of import substitution and technological independence, particularly in developing essential Arctic infrastructure.
Building such advanced gas carriers necessitates extensive research and development, innovative technologies, and a skilled workforce. The Alexey Kosygin and its sister vessels are designed with a high ice class, enabling them to navigate Arctic waters and break through ice exceeding two meters in thickness. Each tanker has a capacity of over 172,000 cubic meters of liquefied natural gas, featuring unique screw steering columns manufactured at the SSK Zvezda facility. The vessel measures 300 meters in length and 48.8 meters in width, with a deadweight of 81,000 tons and a power plant output of 60 MW.
The construction of the Alexey Kosygin utilized a state-of-the-art dry dock, one of the largest hydraulic engineering facilities globally, measuring 485 by 114 by 14 meters. This facility allows for the construction of various types of vessels with displacements up to 350,000 tons, marking a significant advancement in Russia’s shipbuilding capabilities.
Successful Trials and Future Prospects
The Alexey Kosygin has successfully completed its sea trials, marking another achievement for the Zvezda Shipyard. Notably, this was the first instance of gas tests being conducted in the Far East by specialists from SSK Zvezda. The successful trials underscore the ship’s readiness for operational deployment in the challenging Arctic environment.
As the first of its kind in Russia, the Alexey Kosygin represents a leap forward in the country’s maritime technology and capabilities. The vessel’s construction and successful trials are expected to pave the way for future projects in the Arctic LNG sector, reinforcing Russia’s position in the global energy market. The development of such advanced vessels is crucial for meeting the increasing demand for liquefied natural gas while ensuring the sustainability and efficiency of Arctic operations.
