Novatek has established a dedicated shipbuilding subsidiary, expanding its vertical integration as it reshapes fleet planning for its Arctic energy projects.
The new company, Severny Inzhiniring (Northern Engineering), is set to handle the construction and maintenance of specialized vessels. Its focus includes ice-class LNG carriers and condensate tankers required for Novatek’s Arctic developments.
The move comes as access to foreign shipyards has narrowed. Novatek had previously depended on South Korean builders such as Hanwha Ocean and Samsung Heavy Industries for Arc7-class vessels, but those links have been frozen.
The new unit is expected to work together with Zvezda Shipbuilding Complex in Russia’s Far East. That yard has faced delays and difficulties in technology transfer following the withdrawal of Western equipment suppliers.
By creating Severny Inzhiniring, Novatek is adding an in-house shipbuilding arm as it manages future vessel requirements under tighter operating constraints.