Sources suggested the 74,000-cbm vessel was set to be handed over to its new owner on 22 December.

GdF declined to confirm the delivery or comment.

The $130 million Gaz de France Energy was originally named on 5 November 2004.

However, following the completion of gas trials, infrared and ultrasonic tests revealed pressure differences in the nitrogen sweeping between tank linings. Subsequent tests showed discrepancies in the tightness of the secondary tank membrane, the fail-safe triplex bonded layer that lies behind the primary-tank membrane linings.

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