Order for a series of tankers

The agreements comprise six vessels including two LR2 product carriers (117,800 dwt, ice class 1C according to international classification) and four Aframax tankers, designed to carry crude oil (120,600 dwt). An owner’s option for the construction of six more Aframax and LR2 ships is included.

The energy efficiency index of the new ships, determined in accordance of IMO approved methods, is siad to become 10 per cent higher than the standard index for ships of similar class. The ship’s design envisages the possibility of the prolonged use of low-sulphur fuel (0.1 per cent). In combination with other measures, this is designed to achieve a major reduction in emissions, making the project one of the most environmentally safe. As per Sovcomflot, the scantling draught is limited to 14.6m, and moulded breadth is increased up to 46m, allowing the vessel to have the maximum possible cargo capacity for the passage through the Baltic straits, and corresponding to the conditions for the seaborne transportation of hydrocarbons from the oil terminals of Primorsk and Ust-Luga. The ships’ cargo system are to allow the simultaneous carriage and transfer four different types of cargo, contained in twelve coated cargo tanks. The use of special paints to coat the tank surfaces will greatly enhance the range of cargoes that can be transported. Vessels shall be classified by Lloyd's Register.

The first tanker built for Sovcomflot Group, as a part of a joint project “Zvezda-DSME”, is expected to be delivered for operation in the middle of 2012.