The joint venture between Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Ltd. (MOL) and China Shipping Co. signed ship-building contracts with Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co. Ltd. in Korea to build three ice class LNG carriers, MOL said in a press release.

These ice class carriers are intended for Russia’s Yamal LNG project. The signing by other owners of remaining carriers required for the Yamal LNG fleet will be made in Russia.

The ice class LNG carriers will have independent ice-breaking capabilities that enable them to sail in icy seas with 2.1-m (6.9-ft) ice thickness. The vessels will be capable of transporting LNG from Yamal LNG plant at Sabetta in Yamal Peninsula, Russia, to main LNG markets in the world. During the summer period, the carriers also will be able to independently sail on the Northern Sea Route to transport LNG to East Asia.