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Putin backs idea to name Yamal LNG tanker after late Total CEO

Chairman of Russia’s second largest gas producer Novatek board chairman Leonid Mikhelson has put forward this initiative to the Russian leader

© EPA/YOAN VALAT

MOSCOW, October 31. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has backed an idea to name a tanker operating at Yamal LNG project after Total CEO Christophe de Margerie who died in the air crash.

Chairman of Russia’s second largest gas producer Novatek board chairman Leonid Mikhelson has put forward this initiative to the head of state. He informed the president at a working meeting late on Thursday evening about the progress in Yamal LNG project which is being implemented jointly with China’s energy giant CNPC and France’s energy major Total.

“I would like to say that we have lost a perfect partner Christophe de Margerie. We decided to make this initiative, asked his family to name a tanker which will deliver the produce after him,” Mikhelson said. “We have started this project together with him. I believe that this decision would be correct.He was a person enjoying high respect in the world,” the Novatek head noted.

“He was a dignified man and this is certainly absolutely suitable to immortalize his memory,” Putin replied. “He was a good and reliable partner,” the Russian head of state said.

Christophe de Margerie died in the jet crash at Moscow airport Vnukovo overnight to October 21. A four-seat jet Falcon en route from Moscow to Paris collided with a snowplough, caught fire and crashed on the runway. The head of the French concern and three crew died in the crash. Investigation into the incident continues.

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