The vessel’s owner, SCF, also flagged up its commitment to training the next generation of young Russian seafarers and, in particular, a growing number of women.

SCF says the Pskov, which is fixed on long-term charter to Gazprom, will sail with fourth officer Lyana Mitrofanova (left).

The 23-year-old was born in the city of Pskov.

She recently graduated from the Admiral Makarov Maritime University in St Petersburg, the former school of the legendary Anna Schetinina, the world’s first woman to serve as a captain of an oceangoing vessel.

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