Today marked a significant milestone for international maritime relations as Hervé Martel, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Port of Marseille Fos, hosted a historic visit from the Port of Shanghai. The delegation, led by Mr. Luo Wenbin and Mr. Yang Xiaobin, Directors of SIPG Energy Company and SIPG Shengdong International Container Terminal respectively, along with Mr. Shen Wei, Chief of Staff to the Chairman of Shanghai International Port Group (SIPG), embarked on a momentous journey to Marseille.
The rendezvous between the two influential port authorities was more than just a ceremonial exchange; it signified the tangible realization of a cooperation agreement inked in November 2023. This agreement pledged to fortify the bond between the ports, focusing on collaborative ventures in research, innovation, and sustainable development. Both entities envision this as a pivotal step towards establishing strategic and environmentally conscious maritime corridors, aimed at enhancing global maritime traffic.
“Maritime corridors offer ports the opportunity to achieve their green energy transition aspirations by establishing dedicated maritime economic zones, fostering the development of new technologies, environmentally friendly fuels and innovative trade patterns. We are honored to be a privileged partner of the Port of Shanghai, the world’s leading port for containers,” remarked Hervé Martel, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Port of Marseille Fos.
Situated as France’s leading port and the second-largest Mediterranean port, the Port of Marseille Fos boasts a strategic location on the Mediterranean coast, serving as the gateway to Southern Europe. Spanning an area equivalent to the city of Paris, it offers extensive space and infrastructure to accommodate a diverse range of maritime, logistic, and industrial activities.
Functioning as a generalist port, it handles various types of cargo including hydrocarbons, bulk liquids, general cargo, and bulk solids. Additionally, it hosts warehouses within two logistic zones adjacent to the Fos container terminals, catering to renowned companies such as Ikea, Maisons du Monde, and Geodis/Mattel, among others. Furthermore, the port houses key industries including refineries, steel, and chemical manufacturing.
In line with global standards, the Port of Marseille Fos also facilitates ship-repair activities, boasting nine dry docks, including the largest in the Mediterranean, known as “dry dock 10”. Moreover, it accommodates passenger, cruise, and ferry operations, with over two million passengers traversing through its terminals annually, securing its position as the premier cruise port in France in less than a decade.
Comprising two harbors, namely the “Eastern harbor” nestled within Marseille covering 400 hectares, and the “Western harbor” situated in Fos, approximately 70 km from Marseille, the Port of Marseille Fos stands as a testament to France’s maritime prowess and its commitment to fostering global maritime connectivity and sustainability.
Source Port of Marseille Fos