Freight News, Sea

Marseille unveils growth strategy

[ December 22, 2014   //   Chris ]

The Marseille Fos port authority has set out a vision for growth over the four years to 2018 in a strategic plan to position the port as a viable alternative to ports in northern Europe.

Developments costing €360 million target areas of activity with the greatest potential for strong growth and gaining market share.  They will focus on container activities in both the Marseille and Fos harbour areas; cruise operation and ro-ro services at Marseille; and diverse traffic-building activities in Fos ranging from LNG and dry bulk trades to further industrial implants.

Among projects earmarked at Fos, the land between the two Fos 2XL container terminals will be developed in response to customer demand to create a sole-use quay.  As and when necessary, dredging to 16 metres will accommodate 16,000 teu ships and allow the terminals to continue handling the largest container carriers in service.  Meanwhile a combined transport terminal will be built at Fos – similar to the Mourepiane facility under construction in Marseille, where work on the rail links is now starting.

Long-distance rail services have been identified as crucial to the port’s aim of winning traffic from the northern range and enhancing trade with hinterland markets such as Switzerland, southern Germany and Austria.

Tags: Marseille