Two heavy tankers named Glory and Bright are transporting key shipments for the Arctic LNG 2 project in Russia. These shipments include two power generation modules from China, which were loaded at the Zhangjiang port between September 6 and 10, 2024, and have headed towards the Sea of Japan and possibly the Northern Sea Route. Satellite images and vessel tracking data indicate that these two modules are a crucial part of the liquefied natural gas (LNG) project, which is under Western sanctions.
Shipment Details and Route
The modules 2-PGM-002 and 2-PGM-004 are the last two of four power generation modules designed to complete the power supply system for Train 2 of the Arctic LNG 2 project on the Gydan Peninsula. These modules, built at the Wison factory in Zhuhai, allow Novatek to complete its power supply system. This action will help increase the production capacity of this line to 6.6 million tons per year.
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The Importance of Supply Chain Continuity
The shipment of these modules signifies the continuity of logistical channels between heavy industrial suppliers in China and the Arctic LNG 2 project, despite U.S. sanctions specifically targeting this project and its associated companies. The recently shipped 2-PGM and 4-PGM modules are particularly important due to the project's urgent need to complete its power supply system.
The tankers Glory and Bright, which are under U.S. sanctions for participating in Russian energy projects, have recently changed their flag to Russia and have been transferred to Eco Shipping LLC. These two tankers also delivered other shipments to the Arctic LNG 2 project last summer, indicating a sustainable logistical pattern in the face of sanctions.
While Train 1 of the Arctic LNG 2 project began production in 2023, Train 2 continues to face technical difficulties in its launch, and the shipment of this equipment may help improve conditions. However, it seems that the full commissioning of this line will still take time.
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