According to MarineTraffic global ship tracking intelligence, yesterday at 19:55 «Christophe de Margerie» gas carrier left from Sabetta’s port with liquefied natural gas on board. The ship’s voyage to Tangshan (China) will take place via the Northeast passage. 

This event is unique because it is the first commercial passage via the shortcut in the Arctic where the navigation usually starts only in July and ends in November. As for April-May, this period has always been the most dangerous for vessels. 

The carrier is being led by «Yamal» nuclear-powered icebreaker. This alliance allows to challenge vessel’s capacities in the most difficult weather conditions, gather information about speed and various parts of the route, collaborate with coast guards and most importantly prove the hypothesis of the all-year-round navigation in the Northeast passage. 

In the meantime, the vessel moves with the speed of 12 knots. The arrival in China is planned for June 11th, so the vessel will reach its destination in 25 days. This is three times faster than using the usual route around Eurasia through Suez Canal and the Strait of Malacca. 

新闻来源: www.vestiprim.ru