Finance
Russia's Yamal LNG resumes transhipments near Murmansk, data shows
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on February 12, 2026
2 min readLast updated: February 12, 2026
Quick Summary
Yamal LNG restarts ship-to-ship operations near Murmansk, potentially boosting LNG exports to Asia amid EU regulatory reviews.
Russia's Yamal LNG resumes transhipments near Murmansk, data shows
Yamal LNG Operations Resumed
MOSCOW, Feb 12 (Reuters) - Russia's Yamal LNG resumed ship-to-ship liquefied natural gas operations near the Arctic port of Murmansk, LSEG data showed on Thursday, opening the way for the possible resumption of exports of the fuel to Asia for the first time this winter season.
Details of Ship-to-Ship Scheme
The ship-to-ship scheme, in which ice-class gas carriers upload cargoes to conventional vessels for further deliveries, allows the company to optimise the usage of expensive ice-class tankers in winter season when navigation via the eastward Northern Sea Route along the Russian Arctic shore is restricted.
Total's Stake and EU Regulations
Such a scheme is usually used for exports to Asia.
The LSEG data showed that the Arc7 LNG tanker Vladimir Vize, carrying an LNG cargo from Yamal LNG, and Seapeak Yamal gas carrier are positioned near Kildin Island.
Patrick Pouyanne, the CEO of French energy major Total, said on Wednesday that the company was asking the French government and European Commission to clarify a European Union ban on Russian liquefied natural gas imports.
Total owns a 20% direct stake in Yamal LNG as well as a 19.4% stake in private Russian company Novatek, Yamal's parent.
(Reporting by Oksana Kobzeva; writing by Vladimir Soldatkin; editing by Barbara Lewis)
Key Takeaways
- •Yamal LNG has resumed ship-to-ship operations near Murmansk.
- •The operations optimize the use of ice-class tankers in winter.
- •Total holds a significant stake in Yamal LNG.
- •EU regulations on Russian LNG imports are under review.
- •The resumption could lead to increased exports to Asia.
Frequently Asked Questions about Russia's Yamal LNG resumes transhipments near Murmansk, data shows
1What is liquefied natural gas (LNG)?
Liquefied natural gas (LNG) is natural gas that has been cooled to a liquid state for ease of storage and transport. It is primarily composed of methane and is used as a fuel source.
2What is an ice-class tanker?
An ice-class tanker is a vessel designed to navigate through ice-covered waters. These ships are built with reinforced hulls to withstand the pressure of ice.
3What is the Northern Sea Route?
The Northern Sea Route is a shipping lane that runs along the northern coast of Russia, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. It is often used for transporting goods to and from Arctic regions.
4What is a stake in a company?
A stake in a company refers to the ownership interest held by an individual or entity. It is usually represented as a percentage of the total shares outstanding.
