Gas tanker Ob River attempts first winter Arctic crossing (BBC)

[eppur_se_muova]

By Matt McGrath
Environment correspondent, BBC News

A large tanker carrying liquified natural gas (LNG) is set to become the first ship of its type to sail across the Arctic.

The carrier, Ob River, left Norway in November and has sailed north of Russia on its way to Japan.

The specially equipped tanker is due to arrive in early December and will shave 20 days off the regular journey.

The owners say that changing climate conditions and a volatile gas market make the Arctic transit profitable.

Long-term preparation

Built in 2007 with a strengthened hull, the Ob River can carry up to 150,000 cubic metres of gas. The tanker was loaded with LNG at Hammerfest in the north of Norway on 7 November and set sail across the Barents Sea. It has been accompanied by a Russian nuclear-powered icebreaker for much of its voyage.
***
more: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-20454757

[pscot]

1. They say AGW is a hoax

but their actions tell another story. This ship was built for the northwest passage before there was a northwest passage.

[msongs]

2. title is false, winter doesn't even BEGIN until Dec. 21st or so nt

[Arctic Dave]

3. We have had -20 weather up here already.

It is maintaining 0 to -10 during the days.

It is safe to say winter arrive a couple of months ago.

[Control-Z]

4. So, could the temps possibly fuck up their plans (I hope)?

There is something so astonishingly wrong that they would be betting on conditions that are breaking my heart to even consider.

[Arctic Dave]

6. It could.

Nature has a way of screwing with mans plans all the time.

[xchrom]

5. du rec. nt

[AtheistCrusader]

7. The arctic transit is profitable?

Did they factor in the cost of the fucking icebreaker?