Multimodality is a strategic priority for the competitiveness of the major river and sea port on the Seine corridor, as well as for the ecological transition of the regions through the use of more sustainable modes of transport.

HAROPA PORT’s 2020–2025 strategic plan sets a target of 20 per cent for the combined modal share (rail and river) of hinterland freight flows by 2025.

To boost the development of river freight to and from Le Havre, the organisation is planning to build a direct access route to Port 2000 for all types of river vessels, known as a ‘chatière’. The project consists of an 1,800-metre-long river channel, protected by a dyke, which will provide a direct link between Port 2000 and the Seine basin, France’s largest employment and consumer market.

Following a public consultation phase in 2017–2018, followed by the examination of an impact assessment with a public inquiry in December 2022, the Prefect of the Normandy region, who is also the Prefect of Seine-Maritime, issued a decree on 19 June 2023 authorising the start of works.

On 15 September 2023, HAROPA PORT launched a consultation phase with businesses, with a view to receiving tenders in early 2024.

Preparatory works are now under way. This stage marks progress on the ‘chatière’ project, which is a key element in the successful decarbonisation of HAROPA PORT’s supply chain.

Source: HAROPA PORT press release, 21 December 2023.