The first of a sequence of ice-class LNG carriers set to move cargo from the Yamal LNG challenge in northwest Siberia to Europe and Asia has been launched by Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering (DSME) in South Korea.

The vessel is the primary of 15 specially-designed 170,000m3 Azipod powered LNG carriers constructed to icebreaking functionality of ARC 7, making them strongest icebreaking LNG carriers on this planet. The ships might be used to ship LNG from Sabetta port positioned on the Yamal peninsula to Europe and Asia through the Northern Sea Route.

The first vessel is predicted to be delivered late 2016.

The Yamal LNG challenge is predicted to begin in 2017 and is headed by Russian fuel producer Novatek with companions CNPC and Total. Annual LNG manufacturing capability is estimated at 16.5 million metric tons. 

The LNG carriers are powered by ABB, offering the turbochargers, mills, switchboards, transformers, electrical drives, propulsion management and the Azipod^® propulsion models that may energy the vessels by way of the arctic situations.