Russia Yamal LNG resumes ship to ship transfers near Murmansk to boost Asian exports
Russia resumed ship to ship gas transfers near Murmansk today to optimize its ice class fleet. This move signals a return of winter exports to Asian markets.
Insights:
Yamal LNG has resumed ship-to-ship liquefied natural gas operations near the Arctic port of Murmansk in Russia 
RU, marking the first such opening of the winter season as of February 12, 2026. The ongoing operation allows the company to transfer cargoes from specialized ice-class gas carriers to conventional vessels, a move that optimizes the use of a limited fleet of ice-class tankers during the period when navigation via the Northern Sea Route is restricted due to winter conditions. This development could restore Russian LNG supply routes to Asian markets this winter by creating a more efficient logistical chain.
RU, marking the first such opening of the winter season as of February 12, 2026. The ongoing operation allows the company to transfer cargoes from specialized ice-class gas carriers to conventional vessels, a move that optimizes the use of a limited fleet of ice-class tankers during the period when navigation via the Northern Sea Route is restricted due to winter conditions. This development could restore Russian LNG supply routes to Asian markets this winter by creating a more efficient logistical chain.
