Russia's Novatek is moving forward on its plans to build its $21bn Arctic LNG 2 project by firming up its choice of shipyards and tank builders for a series of five huge gravity-based structures (GBS) that will house its liquefaction facilities.

Those following the project closely said the energy company is expected to conclude agreements by the end of this month or in early June with five Chinese yards, which will manufacture parts of the topsides for the 440,000-tonne GBS.