Lagos is looking to attract more sustainable cruise ships after a stopover by the French luxury cruise ship Le Champlain last month.
Measuring 131mx18m and owned by French cruise ship operator Ponant, the ship was anchored at Lagos Bay and was visited by local mayor Hugo Pereira, who spent about an hour on board at the invitation of Captain Yannick Simon.
The mayor was taken on a tour of the cruise ship, which was built in 2018, and had a chance to learn about the “design characteristics and the technological innovation that set it apart, placing it in a market segment that is committed to minimising the environmental impact of its activity.”
“The visit reinforced the conviction that Lagos has all the necessary conditions to regularly welcome these smaller-sized cruise ships that adhere to rigorous sustainability standards,” Lagos Council said in a statement to the press.
The borough also believes it can become a regular stopover location on their itineraries, with the council adding that further stopovers by Ponant cruise ships are scheduled throughout the year and the beginning of 2024.
During its stopover, Le Champlain was carrying approximately 140 passengers, mostly French and American, who had the opportunity to “explore the city’s historic centre and shop at local stores.”
“This visit can contribute to promote the notoriety and attractiveness of Lagos amongst companies operating smaller-sized cruise ships,” the council added.
