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January 2011 www.sname.org/sname/mt Recent major oil nds in the Russian region of the Arctic have led to an increase in exploration and pro- duction activities. The Russian government and Russian oil companies have invested heavily to make year-round export of oil and gas from the Barents and Pechora Seas a reality. LUKOIL, in partic- ular, is developing the oshore Varandey terminal and is currently operating a dedicated icebreaker, Varandey , and an icebreaking standby/supply ship, Toboy , in the area. Both vessels were ordered from Keppel Singmarine in 2006. Varandey is capable of operating independently in ice conditions. Built to Russian Maritime Register of Shipping (RMRS) LL7 notation, its main function is to perform ice channeling for tankers within the terminal area, as well as to assist in tanker maneuvering, mooring, and load- ing. Toboy is capable of all-round operation within the area of the oshore oil termi- nal in the Barents and Arctic Seas. Built to RMRS LU7 notation, its main function is to perform ice channeling at the terminal area and limited ice escort services at the terminal area in the event the icebreaker becomes unavailable. Both ships were built to clean design/zero discharge? standards. LUKOIL awarded the contract to build the two icebreaking vessels to Keppel Singmarine in April 2006. The contract was clinched amidst keen competition from European and Finnish yards. At the time, KOMtech (Keppel Oshore & Marine Technology Centre) was not yet established and Keppel Singmarines competency in BY TAN CHENGHUI VESSEL REPORT: BARENTS SEA ICEBREAKERS VESSEL REPORT