MOSCOW, July 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Alexander Ananenkov, vice-president of Gazprom PLC, announced that the company is considering the possibility to place an order for the construction of two tankers (to transport liquefied natural gas from Shtockmann gas-field) at Severnaya Verf plant, a part of United Industrial Corporation (OPK). According to Mr. Ananenkov, Severnaya Verf plant is the only enterprise in Russia, with the ability to build such particular vessels.

"Gazprom will prepare contracts to start the construction the first vessels. The details for the tender on the construction of the two vessels will be drawn up during the IV quarter of 2009.,. The tender will then be formal," explains Mr. Ananenkov.

The Vice-president of board of directors of Gazprom underlined the necessity to renovate the plant's facilities and to build this type of vessels. According to him, Gazprom is also interested in the construction of 200-300 thousand ton vessels.

The OPK press service declared that the company has already started the construction of a shipbuilding complex for large-capacity vessels (capacity of 300 thousand tons). "OPK shipyards are ready to execute the order of Gazprom in corpore," OPK representative announced. Besides, Severnaya Verf plant has already an experienced in turnkey construction for foreign customers. Such particular vessels are needed for Russian shelf field development.

Mr. Ananenkov reminded the necessity to construct 10 platforms, as well as 80 vessels for servicing of the platforms, meant for the transportation of liquefied natural gas. According to him, the Baltiysky plant, also a part of OPK, also has great chance in securing an order.

About OPK

United Industrial Corporation (OPK) is a diversified holding company with total value of assets of more than US$13 billion. OPK develops and manages an investment portfolio in major sectors of the Russian economy, including the financial sector, real estate development, shipbuilding, mining and media. For more information please visit the OPK website http://eng.opk.ru/

SOURCE OPK