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A huge and long-awaited order for liquefied natural gas (LNG) tankers for operation in Russian Arctic waters was confirmed this week, with indications more newbuilding contracts could be on the way. Chinese yards won a decent number of orders, but as in past weeks Chinese customers dominated. Chinese buyers were behind orders including a drilling ship, gas carrier, an offshore pile laying vessel and a specialist crane ship. But Turkish interests were behind an order for bulk carriers in China. In the naval sector, the U.S. Navy awarded a series of contracts to start designs of unmanned naval surface vessels. India said it will reserve state orders for tugs for Indian yards.