France’s Gaztransport & Technigaz (GTT) and Palumbo Malta Shipyard have signed technical service agreement that will enable the shipyard to bid for certain work on liquefied natural gas (LNG) tankers.

GTT is a world leader in membranes for the maritime transportation and storage of LNG.

Palumbo had to demonstrate its ability to meet the standards of safety and quality required by GTT.

Palumbo personnel will now be trained by GTT experts.

“The partnership with Palumbo will reinforce the drydock offer in the Mediterranean area, which is located at the crossroads of several commercial routes,” said GTT chairman and CEO Philippe Berterottière.

Raffaele Palumbo, sales director of Palumbo Group, said: “The gas sector today is certainly one of the most active and promising in the energy domain, but in response to a growing demand in many regions, Europe remains currently in the balance between an economic crisis and the hope that demand of LNG may grow.

“Despite this uncertain figure, Palumbo Malta Shipyard has made a giant step towards growth in the LNG repair market having been formally accredited as an approved shipyard by GTT for maintenance and repair works in membrane-type cargo containment tanks in LNG tankers.

“Palumbo Malta Shipyard has an established reputation in the maritime industry, having gained experience over the years on board all types of ships. General ship repair continues as a core activity, but our goal is also to become a strategic partner in Mediterranean for LNG expertise and strengthen our offer to shipowners.”

The Palumbo Group has five shipyards in the Mediterranean and 14 docks that handle some 400 vessels every year.