Port 2000 will cover 2 million TEU

As the 5th largest port in Europe and the first in France, the Port of Le Havre is going to jump another step.

Delegates from the Port of Le Havre held a press conference in the Shilla Hotel Nov. 21st, promoting their port and "Port 2000", a large port development project.

As a gateway to Europe, Le Havre handled a total of 65 million tons of cargoes last year, taking advantage of its geographical location and its 14.5m deep water, capable of taking in gigantic vessels.

Liquid bulk cargoes took the lion's share of total cargoes, sharing 65% of the total, with general cargoes sharing 25%. Container cargoes achieved rapid growth, up 58% for the last 6 years and also above other competitive European ports. The Port of Le Havre recorded nearly 1.4 million TEU cargoes in 1999 and looks forward to treating 1.5 million TEU in 2000, a 7% increase. Le Havre took the role of being the biggest transshipment port in Southwest Europe. It is connec-ted to France as well as all of Europe thru road connections, railways, and nearby sea transportation.

Inland transportation systems in France accounted for road transportation in 80% of whole cargoes, railroads for 15%, and 5% using barges. French inland networks are run by the CNC, the French national railroad system. The I.C.F is responsible for European networks and block trains to Lillie, Strasbourg, and Novara. Le Havre plans to grow by 25% in 10 years. This dependence on railroads reflects the super-saturation of European road systems,as European highways are fraught with habitual congestion and truck driver strikes. Barge services three times a week took a big bite of the pie in transshipment services.

Le Havre is equipped with 21 gantry cranes on 6 quays in the north and south terminals. Huge storage areas were divided according to goods such as fruits, coffee, and sugar. It also has refrigerating facilities and logistic centers.

Logistic centers in nearby ports could be available for $2 per square meter. All costs related to the port facilities are competative against other European Ports.

Port 2000 is a development plan stemming from intercontinental rapid growth and gigantic vessel sizes. It will expand the new port facilities and connect railroads, highways, and rivers, making multi-method-transportation connections.

The project will help large 7000 TEU sized container vessels enter the port without a water gate.

It will cost a total of $600 million, and it is anticipated that the port will handle 2 million TEU cargoes by about 2005. Construction will begin next year, with 4 additional quays being built and old quays being expanded.