Novatek Tests First Russian-Made Cryogenic Pump

Russian LNG exporter Novatek has hailed the testing of the first large-scale cryogenic pump manufactured in Russia at its Yamal LNG project in the Arctic.

The pump was designed and manufactured by Afrikantov OKB Mechanical Engineering, a subsidiary of power engineering group Atomenergomash, Novatek said on December 14. Tests took place at Yamal LNG's current tank storage, with the pilot pump's performance confirmed as consistent with design parameters. The pump is now in operation at the site.

Russia wants to reduce reliance on imported equipment and technology in the oil and gas industry, to support domestic manufacturing and shield the sector from possible sanctions. Novatek entered a pact with Atomenergomash in 2017 to co-operate in producing equipment, pipelines and high-tonnage LNG modules in Russia.

"The further use of Russian developed and manufactured equipment at our LNG projects will ensure import substitution and reduce capital costs, as well as contribute to the development of a new industrial sector in Russia," Novatek CEO Leonid Mikhelson said.

Novatek has primarily relied on international suppliers for the main equipment and technology at Yamal LNG and its successor project Arctic LNG-2, due online in 2023. But its further liquefaction plants are expected to depend to a much greater degree on domestic manufacturers. Novatek will showcase its proprietary liquefaction technology, Arctic Cascade, for the first time at a fourth, mini-train it is developing at Yamal LNG. The unit is due to start up by the end of the year.