A training programme has been established for those in the liquefied natural gas (LNG) industry.

The Russian Maritime Register of Shipping (RS) and ABS have set up a joint training initiative that will see classroom instruction take place this month in St Petersburg, Russia, followed by field training at shipyards on ABS-classed, trading LNG carriers.

An agreement that expanded on a previous deal was signed earlier this year by the two bodies.

President and chief operating officer at ABS, Christopher J Wiernicki, commented: "Industry needs a fleet of LNG carriers to carry ever-growing gas resources to market.

"Much of that expected future trade will be from production facilities located in the Arctic."

RS and ABS instructors will focus on winterisation and strengthening requirements for navigation in a low temperature environment as well as hull inspection requirements.

Earlier this year, ABS signed a deal with the Polish Register of Shipping for a research and development scheme.

Oil and Gas Directory: Training and Development