Russian shipowner Sovcomflot (SCF Group) is expected to sign a deal within weeks for a first Arc7 LNG carrier newbuilding for Novatek’s upcoming Arctic LNG 2 project.

But a battle continues to rage over the shipyard technology partner to build the vessels that will be needed.

Industry sources said the two companies are working on finalising both the shipbuilding and time-charter contracts on what will be a flagship ice-breaking vessel for the new liquefaction project on the Gydan Peninsula in the Russian Arctic.