Gasum has bunkered the first LNG-fuelled cruise vessel to be built by Chantiers de l'Atlantique in La Rochelle, France.

Significance: The LNG delivery, which took place on September 10, was the first to be performed at the Atlantic coast port.

Timeline: It comes just under a year since the company's maiden LNG delivery in France, on September 24, 2021, when Ponant's newbuild polar explorer was bunkered in Le Havre.

• Gasum had secured a licence to distribute LNG in French ports and waters earlier that year, in February.

Gasum supported Chantiers in the technical preparation of the delivery at La Rochelle, including obtaining the relevant permits and authorisations.

• The refuelling operation itself was carried out by Gasum's LNG bunker vessel Kairos.

What Gasum said: The Finnish firm said last week's refuelling operation was a new milestone in the extension of its network which underlined its ambition to grow geographically, whilst also providing key technical support to clients where required.

• Gasum affirmed that its selection as partner demonstrated the "unique expertise" it has in supporting shipyards to carry out initial LNG deliveries to newly constructed cruise vessels.
• It declared that both companies aim to improve the environmental performance of shipping by promoting and demonstrating the technical and commercial availability and reliability of alternative fuels.

What Chantiers said: Chantiers' General Manager, Laurent Castaing, stated that the firm's LNG-fuelled newbuild program showed its capacity to "embrace new technologies and to remain at the forefront of the shipbuilding industry."

• "Choosing Gasum is a choice of confidence in its unique experience and track record in supporting yards with technical advice and LNG supplies," he added.