![SCF signs financing and time-charter agreements for first icebreaking gas carrier for Arctic LNG 2 project](http://media.assettype.com/bairdmaritime%2Fimport%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F191108-9-Sovcomflot.jpg?w=480&auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=max)
SCF Group and VEB.RF Group, a Russian financial institution, have signed an agreement for lease financing of the lead ship in a series of icebreaking LNG carriers expected to be built to serve the Arctic LNG 2 project.
At the same time, SCF Group and Novatek Group have signed a long-term time charter agreement for the same LNG carrier.
The vessel will be constructed at Zvezda Shipbuilding Complex in the Russian Far East. It is designed for year-round operations in the challenging ice conditions of the Kara Sea and the Gulf of Ob and will be able to sail independently through ice over two metres thick.
The Russian Maritime Register of Shipping (RS) will provide technical supervision during the construction of the vessel series.