Image: Gasum

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Gasum has expanded its bunkering capacity in the Antwerp, Amsterdam, and Rotterdam (ARA) region with the addition of its delivery vessel Kairos.

Up until now, the 7,500-cubic-metre Kairos has been operating flexibly in the North Sea and Baltic Sea, but the vessel's relocation will enable Gasum to deliver LNG to existing clients in Northern Continental Europe whenever required, as well as serving new customers.

Developed by Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement (BSM) and Babcock International Group, the 135-metre-long Kairos is one of the world's largest LNG bunker supply vessels. It is described as being highly manoeuvrable and built to meet the highest environmental standards through the use of LNG as fuel and a complete reliquefaction of the boil-off gas.

"We are very happy to have Kairos in the ARA. Through this we are constantly present in the region and can better cater the needs of our old and new LNG customers in the maritime segment. By increasing the availability of LNG in the ARA area, we can accelerate the transition towards a cleaner maritime transport," said Gasum's Jacob Granqvist, Vice President Maritime.

The latest development in the ARA region would seem to be in line with Granqvist's comments in July 2020, when he spoke of Gasum's "commitment to expand our geographical footprint in continental Europe", and revealed that the company had expansion plans for The Netherlands and Belgium, as well as Germany and Poland.

Gasum also recently extended its supply network to France with its maiden LNG delivery on September 24 to Ponant's polar explorer vessel, Le Commandant Charcot.