Port of Marseille-Fos posts flat cargo volumes in 2016

The French Mediterranean port reported a total throughput of 81 million metric tons of cargo for the year in 2016, on par with 2015 figures, even as it set a new record for container traffic at 1.25 million TEUs, according to the latest data from the port.    Port of Marseille-Fos had a total throughput of 81 million metric tons of cargo for the year in 2016, on par with 2015 figures, according to the latest data from the port authority.
   The French Mediterranean port set a new record for container traffic at 1.25 million TEUs, helping general cargo to grow 3 percent overall to 18.5 million metric tons compared with the previous year.
   The port authority noted 2016 was the fourth consecutive year of growth that outpaced the average seen at European and French cargo ports.
   “Box volumes were boosted by capacity increases of 20-80 percent on eight lines – three serving Asia, two the US and Canada, two the Mediterranean and one the Indian Ocean,” the port said in a statement. “The major alliances are expected to further reinforce their presence at Fos in 2017.”
   Inland rail traffic at the port grew 8 percent year-over-year to 121,000-TEUs, aided by the arrival of two new operators – Modal Ouest and BD Rail Services – serving Chalon-sur-Saone and Niort in midwestern France.
   Liquid bulk volumes at Marseille-Fos slipped 1 percent to 49.4 million metric tons despite a 33 percent jump in liquid natural gas (LNG) to 5.5 million metric tons, as crude imports fell 3 percent to 26.3 million metric tons, and refined products and LPG fell 6 percent and 2 percent, respectively. Liquid chemicals and agro-products were down 6 percent in 2016 compared with the previous year.
   Dry bulks likewise dropped 7 percent to 13 million metric tons due to a slumping global steel industry and falling agro-bulk volumes.
   Looking ahead to 2017, the port anticipates overall cargo throughput will rise 2.2 percent to 82.7 million metric tons. Investments are expected to jump 18 percent to 65 million euros (U.S. $69.5 million) and Marseille-Fos noted spending will include 5.5 million euros for a mid-section quay joining the two container terminals at Fos2XL, where capacity will be increased between 15 and 20 percent by the time the project is completed in 2018.