Fayard Shipyard has defended its maintenance work on Arc7 ice-class LNG carriers linked to Russia’s Yamal LNG exports as political pressure grows in Denmark and across Europe.

The Danish yard is reportedly the last shipyard in the European Union still providing maintenance services for the Arc7 fleet. The vessels transport LNG from the Yamal terminal and support Russia’s Arctic LNG export operations.

Danish Member of the European Parliament Villy Søvndal sent an open letter to Fayard Shipyard Chief Executive Officer Thomas Andersen. The letter was signed by 104 parliamentarians from 16 European countries, including 54 Members of the European Parliament and 50 members of national parliaments.

The signatories represented six political groups in the European Parliament. They argued that maintenance work in Denmark could allow the tankers to remain in service and continue supporting Russian energy revenue ahead of an EU embargo on Russian gas expected in 2027.

The letter followed criticism from Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, who said it was inconceivable that a Danish shipyard was servicing vessels carrying Russian gas.

Fayard Shipyard said its activities comply with current European Union rules. The company told EU Observer that significant trade continues between the European Union and Russia in goods that European countries still require.

The shipyard said it does not service Russian vessels. It stated that the ships are owned by international shipping companies and operate between the Yamal terminal and European ports in accordance with current regulations and guidelines.

Fayard Shipyard also said the assignments would end at the close of this year in line with European Union decisions.

Arc7 vessels have an opportunity to undergo maintenance during the summer, when conventional LNG carriers can temporarily cover their operations along the Arctic route. The Arc7 tanker Rudolf Samoylovich arrived at Fayard Shipyard on 30 June.

Environmental campaign group Urgewald expects that as many as six Arc7 vessels could require maintenance at the Danish yard during the summer. Fayard Shipyard reportedly became the only EU facility providing these services after Dutch shipbuilder Damen withdrew last year.

Urgewald estimated the value of Yamal Arctic LNG supplied to the European Union during the first six months of 2026 at $6.82 billion. Of 140 cargoes shipped worldwide during the period, 136 were delivered to EU ports, accounting for more than 97% of total Yamal Arctic LNG deliveries.