“Andrey Vilkitsky” and “Alexander Sannikov” provide icebreaking support of tankers in the Gulf of Ob

The icebreakers of the new generation “Andrey Vilkitsky” and “Alexander Sannikov” built on the order of “Gazprom Neft” started joint operation in the Arctic. Their tandem strengthened the unique logistics scheme of year-round transportation of oil from the terminal “Vorota Arktiki” to the floating oil storage in the Kola Bay, from where further deliveries of hydrocarbons are fulfilled to the world market in standard tanker consignments.

In January the icebreaker “Andrey Vilkitsky” completed passage on the Northern Sea Route and joined the twin-ship “Alexander Sannikov”. Tasks of the icebreakers include ensuring of safe and effective work of the tanker fleet in the district of the terminal “Vorota Arktiki”, through which year-round transportation of oil from Novoportovskoye field is fulfilled. “Novy Port” is a dynamically developing arctic asset of “Gazprom Neft”, amounts of extraction on which grew more than on 40% during the latest year, as “Gazpromneft-Yamal” informs.

“Andrey Vilkitsky” and “Alexander Sannikov” ensure a safe approach of tankers to the arctic terminal and are able to perform the wide range of tasks in severe ice conditions: mooring and towing operations and protection of the terminal “Vorota Arktiki” from impact of ice.

“The share of extraction in the Arctic already exceeds 20% of the total oil production of our company. In the strategy of development till 2030 “Gazprom Neft” sets special focus on development of this region. Therefore, it is important for us to increase logistics capacities. Presence of our own icebreakers is the key to uninterrupted and efficient operation of the scheme of arctic oil transportation, what creates new prospects for further development of extractive fields in this region”, Vadim Yakovlev, the first deputy director general of “Gazprom Neft” said.