Port of Le Havre container traffic up 5.7 per cent in 2001

The Port of Le Havre says it has set a new record for general cargo in 2001 with 18 million tonnes, an increase of 5.2 percent from 17.1 million tonnes in 2000, according to preliminary traffic statistics.

Overall traffic at the port rose to 69.5 million tonnes from 68 million tonnes in 2000 (an increase of 2.2 percent).

Within the general cargo category, container traffic grew to 14.6 million tonnes, an increase of 5.7 percent over 2000’s figure of 13.8 million tonnes.

The port handled around 1,525,000 TEUs in 2001, with transshipment accounting for 25.9 per cent of this traffic, compared with 20.6 per cent recorded in 2000.

The Port of Le Havre’s increasing role as platform for transshipment of cars in Europe was confirmed by new car traffic moving through its Ro-Ro facilities (nearly 600,000 cars).

During 2001, trade in liquid hydrocarbons expanded by 5.2 per cent to 45 million tonnes, while other bulk traffic decreased substantially (-21.3 per cent, to 6 million tonnes), primarily due to a reduction in coal imports by Electricit de France (EDF).

The fourth largest port in northern Europe, the Port of Le Havre is one of the few that can receive the largest containerships, fully loaded at any tide. Construction of the giant new container facility Port 2000 is now underway, slated for first phase completion in 2004.