2025 OVERVIEW OF FRENCH PORT FLOWS

Despite an international context marked by economic uncertainty, French port infrastructures maintained sustained activity in 2025, showing significant developments across different ports and cargo categories—liquid bulk, dry bulk, containers, and Ro-Ro. Major maritime ports in both mainland France and overseas territories reflect this logistical diversity.

MAINLAND FRANCE: CONTRASTING TRENDS IN LE HAVRE AND FOS-SUR-MER

The Grand Port Maritime of Le Havre, part of the HAROPA PORT system, recorded a total traffic of 84.7 million tonnes of goods in 2025, an increase of approximately +2% compared to 2024. This volume includes a historic record for containers, with over 3.2 million TEUs handled (+4%), securing Le Havre’s position as the leading container port in France.

During the first half of 2025, HAROPA Port had already processed 39.9 million tonnes, including 1.51 million TEUs (+4%), confirming the momentum of the container sector despite a slight decline in dry and liquid bulk during that specific period.

The Grand Port Maritime of Marseille-Fos also saw an increase in its annual traffic in 2025, reaching approximately 74 million tonnes of goods (+5% compared to 2024). This growth was driven by liquid and dry bulk flows, while container traffic stabilized at around 1.45 million TEUs.

The ports of Dunkirk, Montoir-de-Bretagne, and Bordeaux maintained stable activity or moderate growth, contributing to the overall balance of mainland logistical flows.

OVERSEAS TERRITORIES: SOLID PERFORMANCE

Overseas ports also confirmed their vital role. The Port of La Réunion exceeded 6 million tonnes of goods in 2025, while Guadeloupe posted approximately 3.4 million tonnes of freight and nearly 210,000 TEUs handled. Martinique also saw a progression in its volumes compared to 2024.

In 2025, France’s primary port hubs demonstrated a strong capacity to adapt their cargo volume management. This was achieved notably through continuous infrastructure transformation: terminal modernization, improved multimodal connections, flow digitalization, and the energy transition. These evolutions reinforce logistical performance and the reliability of supply chains.

In this context, Balguerie Group secures and optimizes your maritime flows. Thanks to our presence in all major mainland and overseas ports, we support you with tailor-made solutions, combining local expertise, regulatory mastery, and international reach to ensure the fluidity and performance of your trade.