Cold comfort

摘要

In December 2012, the LNG tanker OB River became the first vessel of its type to sail the northern route across the Arctic, taking advantage of the changing climate to shave about 20 days off its journey from Norway to Japan, via north Russia. Chartered by Russian energy company Gazprom, the 100,244gt tanker, built in 2007 with a strengthened hull, had to be accompanied by a nuclear-powered ice breaker for much of the voyage, so severe were the icy conditions. Increasing interest in accessing Arctic resources and the associated transportation of oil and gas has prompted speculation over the safety of current-generation vessels. Their hulls have not been designed to withstand collisions with ice, which can increase the effects of sloshing inside cargo tanks.