Dunkerque Port Prepares for Longer-Term Projects

Dunkerque-Port has produced its strategic plan for the 2014-2018 period. This major document sets out the main guidelines and the procedure for implementation of the Port’s development policy over 5 years, following on from the first strategic plan of 2009-2013 and its financial trajectory. It also prepares the future for longer-term projects.

This strategic plan was approved unanimously by the Development Board on 12 September 2014, and then by the Board of Trustees on 21 November 2014. In line with the national ports strategy, the Port of Dunkirk has four major ambitions: to be a Northern French Port, a Gateway Port, a Sustainable Port and a Partner Port.

1 – NORTHERN FRENCH PORT

The «Northern French Port» aspect involves reconquering Dunkirk’s natural hinterland in the container sector, developing secure and temperature-controlled logistics, optimizing consolidated transport and putting in place the tools for successful development of container traffic.

2 – GATEWAY PORT

The «Gateway Port» aspect is aimed at strengthening the position of GPMD as a redistribution port for solid bulks and shortsea shipping from deepsea lines, setting up an LNG provisioning complex for the Strait of Dover, the Channel and the North Sea, developing links with inland multimodal platforms, adapting the Western Port to changes in maritime transport, and preparing for future large-scale projects (Baltic-Pacific).

3 – SUSTAINABLE AND RESPONSIBLE PORT

The «Sustainable and Responsible Port» aspect involves strengthening the position of Dunkirk, a pioneer of circular economy, as France’s leading energy and steel industry platform (promoting the setup of new industrial and logistics projects in addition to the existing industries), managing the development of the port district with attention to risk control and climate change in developments, implementing the Natural Heritage Master Plan ahead of the development of future business parks, and building Social and Environmental Responsibility in eco-friendly behavior and developments.

4 – PARTNER PORT

This «Partner Port» aspect commits the economic and social operators of Dunkirk’s port community to mobilize for the development of new types of traffic; it also involves maintaining existing partnerships (institutional, economic, scientific and technical), to develop added value in logistics and industrial development, enhancing the environment and managing the natural areas of the Opal Coast. Lastly, it also includes maintaining the partnership between the City and the Port, emphasizing the value of the port’s heritage and culture.

These ambitions are accompanied by a major works program of €242 million, with the first large-scale projects due for completion in 2015.

The plan and its environmental assessment are being submitted to the Environment Authority this week for examination and evaluation.

Press Release