Norwegian shipowner Knutsen has appointed Jerome Balay as the new head of Knutsen LNG France following the departure of Ludovic Gerard.
Knutsen LNG France said in a social media post on Thursday that, five years after the company’s incorporation, Gerard is stepping down from his management position to pursue new professional and personal projects.
“I am grateful for the trust Trygve and Synnove Seglem showed to me during these five years, the French company is now up and running, robust. I built an excellent team in Nantes to cope with the 22 LNG carriers owned and managed, with a backlog of more than 10 vessels until 2029,” Gerard said.
Balay has been appointed by the shareholders as the new president, starting May 1, 2026.
Knutsen LNG France noted that he started in the company in the summer of 2021 and was a “pillar in the development” of Knutsen LNG France.
“I am honored to take over Ludovic’s position and will endeavor to pursue the great development of the company, now the 2nd shipowner by tonnage under the French International Register (RIF).”
Knutsen LNG France said Balay will be assisted in his duties by Arnaud Gibrais for the operations and Emmanuel Le Henaff for finance.
The company added that it is still due to receive four more brand new LNG carriers this year, all of which will be sailing under the French flag.