In order to address the challenges of multimodal transport and decarbonisation along the Seine corridor, HAROPA PORT is leading a key project to integrate river access to Port 2000 in Le Havre. Following the Council of State’s decision on Friday 13 December 2024 to dismiss the appeal to the Court of Cassation, the project is now entering a new phase of implementation. The notification of the works contract to the TERELIAN/SDI consortium marks the start of the first on-site works, notably including the launch of a pyrotechnic survey.

Following the commencement of preparatory works at the start of the year, the works contract was notified to the TERELIAN consortium, as lead contractor, and SDI, its co-contractor. The port is thus commencing the phase of works involving the setting up of site facilities (site accommodation) and pyrotechnic detection on the construction site of the future structures. The removal of explosive devices and other hazardous items is, in fact, an essential safety requirement prior to the commencement of any works.

The first stage of the operation consists of an electromagnetic survey of the site. Where suspicious areas are identified, divers will carry out a visual inspection. If the presence of an explosive device is confirmed, the demining services will be contacted to safely remove the object. The duration of this work, which also includes the removal of bulky waste, is estimated at six months.

Rendering showing the new protective breakwater linking the historic port and the outer container terminals of Port 2000. Photo: Haropa Port

An essential structure for river traffic

As a reminder, this river access consists of an 1,800-metre-long channel, protected by a breakwater, which will provide a direct link between Port 2000 and the Seine basin – France’s largest employment and consumption area. This project is essential for decarbonising the logistics chain by ensuring the safe transport of a greater number of containers by river to and from Le Havre.

The transport of containers between Port 2000 and the river currently requires an intermediate mode of transport: as not all river vessels are suitable or equipped to use the maritime route leading to the seaport terminals, only 10 per cent of the fleet currently has access to them. These ‘transhipments’ make river traffic less competitive and hinder the development of modal shift, a key priority of HAROPA PORT’s decarbonisation strategy, extending from the estuary along the Seine corridor – and vice versa – and in particular towards the hubs in Rouen and the Île-de-France region.

The project, with a total budget of €197 million, is funded as follows: €86.05 million from the Normandy Region, €23.6 million from the State, €11 million from the European Union (via the Connecting Europe Facility) and €76.35 million from HAROPA PORT.

For further information, please visit the dedicated website.