Russian duo Novatek and Sovcomflot have announced the contract signings on orders for 10 Arc7 liquefied natural gas carrier newbuilds destined for the Novatek-led Arctic LNG 2 project on the Gydan peninsula.

The gas independent and shipowner said their Smart LNG venture signed contracts with Russia's VEB.RF Group and Zvezda Shipbuilding Complex to build and lease 10 ice-breaking Arc7 LNG carriers, as reported by Upstream's sister shipping publication TradeWinds last month.

Smart LNG has also signed long-term time charter agreements for the vessels with the Arctic LNG 2 company that operates the scheme on behalf of project partners Novatek, Total, China National Petroleum Corporation, China National Offshore Oil Corporation and Japan Arctic LNG, a consortium of...