PORT OF MARSEILLES CONTAINER VOLUMES RISE 9.1%

PORT OF MARSEILLES CONTAINER VOLUMES RISE 9.1%    The Port of Marseilles, France, handled 191,000 TEUs during the first quarter, up 9.1 percent from the year-earlier.
   Tonnage from TEUs, 1.82 million tons, boosted general cargo for the first quarter 1.7 percent to 3.45 million tons. Roll-on/roll-off activity in Marseilles increased 4.5 percent, after a traditional slow start to the year in that sector.
   Total cargo for the first three months of 2002 dropped 4.1 percent to 22.6 million tons. Dry bulk cargoes fell 22.6 percent, to 3.0 million tons, due to reduced demand from the French steel industry and storm damage to an ore terminal at the port. Oil was off 1 percent in the first quarter, to 15.4 million tons, due to a drop in refinery imports across Europe.
   In a related development, the Port of Marseilles has signed a cooperative agreement with the merchant marine and port authority of Tunisia, a significant trading partner of Marseilles. The pact covers management, security, and training of personnel.