Russian shipowner Sovcomflot (SCF Group) is hoping to bring its first LNG-fuelled aframax tanker newbuilding to its operational base in north-west Europe via the Northern Sea Route (NSR).

Sovcomflot officials said a risk assessment for the 114,000-dwt, ice-class 1A newbuilding Lomonosov Prospect, which is due for delivery on 1 October, will be made on the weather and ice conditions along the Arctic route prior to the voyage.