Gazprom Neft’s project to build Russia’s first LNG-bunkering vessel has moved into its final stage, with the Dmitry Mendeleev successfully passing sea trials following completion of major installation works. A series of tests on the main propulsion system allowed the functionality and serviceability of the vessel’s navigation equipment and control systems to be fully tested, and its manoeuvring and speed capabilities confirmed. Next steps will involve testing the vessel’s LNG loading, storage and unloading capabilities. The new vessel will form part of the Gazprom Neft fleet in the second half of 2021, and will be used for fuel bunkering at ports in the Gulf of Finland and the Baltic Sea — St Petersburg, Ust Luga and Primorsk.
The latest shipbuilding and LNG transportation technologies are being utilised on the Dmitry Mendeleev project, in line with the most recent environmental standards governing maritime transport. The vessel will be using tank-return gas (TRG or “boil-off” gas) from transported cargo as fuel for its onboard power plant. All LNG-bunkering equipment is fully compliant with MARPOL and ECOS environmental standards.
