Russia's Arctic LNG-2, led by Novatek, ramped production in July and August to
about 27 mln cubic meters of gas per day—almost double August 2025
levels—enabled by an expanded shadow tanker fleet; the capacity rise could
translate into higher LNG output. Vessel-tracking compilations show the project
now uses at least 20 ships, most with opaque ownership structures, up from 11 at
end-December. Exports exceeded 500,000 tonnes in both July and August, record
monthly highs, equivalent to roughly 700 mln cubic meters per month by Novatek's
conversion. Arctic LNG-2 is central to Russia's plan to double LNG production;
Western sanctions after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine pushed the
original timetable past 2030.
