European congestion drives cargo growth at Port of Marseilles Fos

The Port of Marseille Fos has witnessed a 5 per cent jump in general cargo traffic in the first half of 2022, handling over 11 million tonnes.

Container traffic came at 800,000 TEU setting an all-time record.

The Port of Marseille Fos said it had benefitted from congestion of neighbouring Mediterranean ports and greater fluidity in its terminals.

READ: Supply chain at risk as German labour talks reach stalemate

The trailer sector improved by 4 per cent compared with 2021 and 14 per cent compared with 2019.

The port’s growth has also been driven by consolidated multimodal connectivity, with double-digit growth for both rail and river transport.

Rail container traffic increased considerably in the first half of 2022, buoyed by the new weekly service operated by CMA CGM to Duisburg, and the development of the rail service offer between Fos and Toulouse by Naviland Cargo and between Fos and Chalon-sur-Saône by Ferovergne.

“Despite the particularly volatile environment and the severe disruption of international trade due to COVID-19 and the Russian-Ukraine conflict, Port of Marseille Fos operators complied with vessel handling deadlines, without any waiting time,” said Hervé Martel, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Port of Marseille Fos.

“Again, the port community’s resilience is remarkable and has enabled the Port to handle record volumes, particularly for containers”.

Through a new agreement with Cinturion, the Port of Marseille Fos claimed it is on its way to becoming one of the top digital hubs in the world.

The port has signed a concession agreement with the fiber optic network supplier for the rights to use submarine landing infrastructure.