OREANDA-NEWS. Today under the auspices of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, Gazprom Marketing & Trading (GM&T), on behalf of the Gazprom Group, signed an Agreement for a Strategic Partnership in the Construction of LNG Carriers with JSC United Shipbuilding Corporation (USC), an Agreement for a Strategic Partnership in the Classification and Certification of LNG Carriers with Russian Maritime Register of Shipping (RS) and a Memorandum of Understanding with ОАО Sovcomflot (SCF).

At the same ceremony, USC signed Technology Transfer Agreements in regards to exchange of technology with the world's leading shipbuilding companies from South Korea, as well as a Memorandum of Understanding with GTT, the world's leading LNG cargo containment system developer.

These agreements are part of a strategic initiative to maximise Russian content in all elements of LNG shipping activities of the Gazprom Group, including LNG shipping technology development, shipbuilding, ship repairs and commercial operations and crewing.

One of the major goals of this initiative is the construction and development of the USC's shipyard “Zvezda” in Bolshoy Kamen, Primorskiy Region, Russia.

The agreements are aimed at developing cooperation for “Zvezda's participation in the construction programme for up to 13 highly sophisticated Ice-Class LNG vessels, for delivery between 2017–2021 for the future needs of the Gazprom Group. It is intended that ‘Zvezda’ will be involved in this programme on every vessel, producing basic blocks, mega blocks and LNG tank containment systems in partnership with one of the South Korean yards. Once all the infrastructure at ‘Zvezda’ has been developed and finalized, full LNG vessels can be built from 2020.

Nikolai Grigoriev, Director of Global Shipping & Logistics of GM&T, commenting on this significant signing, said: ”We are proud to witness a very important milestone reached today by GM&T and our partners in our strategic drive to maximise Russian content in the LNG shipping activities of the Gazprom Group. Today's event has confirmed that the course we set back in 2010 to involve key Russian partners in the design and construction of the most advanced LNG vessels, in the development of highly qualified Russian LNG officers and ratings and in growing our global LNG trading business which now spans all markets and shipping routes including the Northern Sea Route, was correct. We will continue moving towards our dream that Russian LNG is delivered to the Gazprom's customers around the world on vessels built in Russia and operated by Russian seafarers.”
Background

Gazprom Marketing & Trading Limited (GM&T) is a UK-registered wholly-owned subsidiary of OAO Gazprom (“Gazprom”), the world's largest gas company by asset base, accounting for 18% of the world's total natural gas reserves and for about 70% of natural gas reserves in Russia. GM&T is headquartered in London and was established in 1999 to manage Gazprom's marketing and trading activities in the liberalised markets of Europe. GM&T is responsible for the optimisation of Gazprom's energy commodity assets and downstream expansion through its marketing and trading network. With subsidiaries in USA, Singapore, France, Germany, UK and Switzerland, GM&T trades energy commodities including gas, power, oil and oil products, carbon, LNG and FX.