A new series of LNG carriers to be built in Russia for the Arctic LNG 2 project could attract state subsidies of up to RUB 60bn ($875m).
This is according to a "consortium" letter to the ministry of industry seen by the Kommersant daily.
The report claims each of up to 15 planned Arc7 newbuildings at the new Zvezda yard for the Novatek project will cost $383m, for a total of $5.74bn.
But this price only applies if the yard has a full orderbook.
Otherwise the cost of the lead ship will rise to $698.2m.
This makes the orders twice as expensive as in South Korea, which is why the subsidies will reportedly kick in.
The contract for the lead ship should be signed by the end of March, with Sovcomflot (SCF Group) in the running.
Slots for the vessels have been reserved at Zvezda by Novatek for construction between 2020 and 2026.
Raw materials, supplies, components, wages, taxes and fees will all be considered in subsidy calculations.
Yard owner Rosneft has declined to comment.
