ecological and energy transition, ecological and energy transition : Le Havre Cruises: the development project for a port with a bright future for sustainable cruises

In order to consolidate the attractiveness of HAROPA PORT on the European cruise market and underpin the strong development of passenger traffic expected over the coming years, Le Havre Seine Métropole and HAROPA PORT are engaging, with the support of the Normandy regional government authority, in an ambitious plan for the development of cruise activity on Florida Point.

Published on - Updated

Vue aérienne du terminal croisières au Havre - Enlarge image, modal window
©HAROPA PORT

Construction of three new terminals and four new facilities

Aiming to make a significant improvement in the conditions in which cruise passengers are welcomed, the project includes plans to create three new, bigger and more comfortable terminals over the period 2023-2025, covering an effective area of 15,000 sq. m. With these new terminals, Le Havre will then have the ability to handle triple cruise calls seamlessly and comfortably for a total capacity of 13,500 passengers a day.

Four new facilities will also see the light of day :

  • Les Cabines, a place for socialising and eating that opens out on to the city,
  • Amphithéâtre, a venue dedicated to cultural and events programming.
  • Le Pont, a promenade space also dedicated to the holding of major nautical events,
  • Grand Salon, a events venue for consolidating the reputation of Le Havre and HAROPA PORT.

In addition, an expansive esplanade will be created on Florida Point. A large paved area with a grassy stretch will also provide space for leisure. At the heart of the site, the port’s quay hardstand will be modified to form an extensive planted avenue stretching over 320 metres.

Emission-free port calls and supplies of clean energy to cruise ships to achieve a neutral carbon footprint

Energy economy and carbon neutrality are priority objectives for this development project :

  • 100 % quay electrification : all quays dedicated to sea cruise activity will be electrified in 2026 to allow ships to connect to shore power.
    The total electrical power of the threee quays will be 30MW (each quay will be able to deliver up to 14 MW), thereby allowing 100 tonnes of CO2 and 2 tonnes of other emitted pollutants to be avoided during the 12 hours of a port call, this being the volume equivalent of 17 Olympic swimming pools ;
  • Energy-positive buildings : the cruise terminals have been designed to welcome cruise passengers in conditions that are virtuous from the environmental standpoint. The new buildings will be energy-positive thanks to the input from extensive PV solar roofing and highly economic operating parameters. The construction methods used will be of low-carbon type. A target of 10% river transport of materials has been included in the project for less recourse to road transport.

Development work on Florida Point : €59m funded by GIP Le Havre Croisières (including €15m from Le Havre urban and district council and €15m from regional government).

Did you know? Placed at the heart of HAROPA PORT's strategic project, the quay electrification project, known as RENAQ, represents a total budget of €32 million, with:

  • €5 millions  from the State under the CPIER 2023 - 2027,
  •  €13.6 millions from the State under the France Relance plan,
  •  €900,000 from the State under the Research fund for coal and steel (RFCS),
  •  €12.5 millions financed by HAROPA PORT.
Logos République Française, France Relance et Union Européenne - Enlarge image, modal window

Did you know ? In February 2022 Le Havre urban and district council and HAROPA PORT set up a public interest grouping (GIP) : Le Havre Croisières.