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Financing the program to extend and modernize the Port of Réunion
The Port of Réunion is a multi-function port – trade, fishing, marina, military activity – and a major asset for the island. The financing agreement to extend and modernize its facilities which has just been signed will promote its integration in international and regional trade and support the creation of new service and leisure activities.
The main crossing point for cargo
The Port of Réunion is located on the northwest coast of the island. It is a port of national interest under a Government concession to the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Réunion (CCIR). This multi-function port (trade, fishing, marina, military activity…) is the main crossing point for cargo.
It comprises two sites which are 3 km apart: the industrial and commercial port is in the east and the historic site is in the west next to the city center.
Since 2004, the Port of Reunion has been implementing a program to extend and modernize its facilities in order to adapt to the increase in the size of ships and traffic volumes and play a major role in regional sea trade. The major issue for the Western Port is to develop the port in a manner consistent with the development of the Port municipality by creating new service and leisure activities and maintaining certain port activities (fishing, marina and cruises).
Increased terminal capacity and creation of a basin marina
In April 2012, AFD signed an €11m financing agreement with the CCIR to finance the Port of Réunion’s investments to extend and deepen the container terminal basin, increase the terminal’s capacity and create a basin marina.
The Eastern Port porticos, © J. Couriaut
Scaling up regional and international integration
This financing will promote Réunion’s integration in international and regional trade by reducing waiting times for vessels and freight costs for goods and by increasing the stock turnover rate. The expansion of facilities for pleasure craft will bring economic benefits with the increase in the number of ship repairs, water sports and various commercial activities.
The Port of Réunion’s activity is mainly based on import flows (86% of the total traffic in tons) for the island’s own needs. There is a low level of transshipment activity due to the fact that Port-Louis has comparative advantages in terms of costs and storage area.
The main aim of the works conducted at the Port of Réunion is to raise the mooring capacity, particularly for container ships, and reduce waiting times. The extension of the quays will make it possible to moor two container ships at the same time (against one today).
The objective for the fishing activity is to develop the local supply sector. The fishing basin was indeed delivered in 2009 at the West Port, but the works on the superstructures (workshop, cold store…) need to be conducted on the West Port.
Regional maritime activity is expected to develop with the increased trade between Africa and Asia. In this regard, and despite the fact that Mauritius aims to be a hub in this area, the Port of Réunion is seeking to play a complementary role to Port-Louis. This will only be feasible if its facilities and infrastructure are modernized.
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