On 21 June, the UMEP held its Annual General Meeting, which this year was an election meeting.

Following an initial term of office that began in 2021, President BONIS and his two Vice-Presidents, François GUERIN and Bruno GELLERAT, were re-elected for a new term running until 2027.

The report highlighted several objectives:

• the ongoing improvement in the smooth flow of goods through the Port of Le Havre, thanks to the CCS (Cargo Community System) implemented by
  SOGET, a subsidiary of UMEP and its members;
• enhancing terminal security and access controls through the introduction of a container collection system made more efficient by the use of the TCT Code;
• initiatives to promote modal shift to facilitate intermodality, even though ‘road transport is reliable and remains the most appropriate option for distances of less than 300 km’.

“We have been working for years to develop the barge-and-rail model, alongside the Port, the authorities, the City and the Region, and thanks to the lock, we are set to increase navigation possibilities for river vessels tenfold,” explains François GUERIN.

UMEP is therefore committed to developing multimodal solutions along the Seine Corridor to meet the needs for increased volume and sustainability. “Beyond these logistical challenges, the Le Havre business community also needs social stability, to reassure investors, shippers and the wider community, and we are looking for balanced solutions. We are confident about the way forward, through negotiation and dialogue,” concludes Hervé BONIS.

Finally, regarding the development of berths 11 and 12 at Port 2000, as well as the extension of RoRo storage over 20 hectares, the Chairman and Vice-Chairman welcome the future projects in the port area, totalling nearly €1 billion. “We are optimistic and confident about how these will be brought to fruition.”

The second term of office builds on this momentum, with new key priorities in line with the development of SEINEPORT UNION.

Source: Jeune Marine, 25 June 2024