HYDROCARBON
ENGINEERING
90
for storage or industrial sites, as well around 88 ha. of
new terminals (out of which 25 ha. will be made available
to construct a new liquid terminal). Shore side, the land
plot for the future liquid terminal will be delivered in
2017. Sea side, the first infrastructure is expected to be
delivered by 2020 - 2021. This allows industrial accounts
and terminal operators the necessary time to plan their
projects, three years prior to the completion of the
breakwaters. The liquid terminal will be linked to four
berths (14.5 m draft) and the break bulk and dry bulk
terminals will have 2000 m of quays (1500 linear m for
vessels of 14.5 m draft).
Port La Nouvelle is not connected to inland
waterways; however, the expansion plans include a new
rail infrastructure development. From the port it is easy
to reach a dedicated rail freight corridor, which serves
northern Europe. La Nouvelle already allows public and
private rail operators to use the port network.
The Languedoc-Roussillon region intends to play a
major role in the Mediterranean market. Commercial ports
are structural elements of regional territories and are
therefore extremely attractive locations for economic
development. The actual Regional Council already invests
nearly 40% of its annual budget in regional transport
infrastructure (ports, airports, railways and public
transportation). In 2016, Languedoc-Roussillon will merge
with Midi-Pyrénées to form a bigger and sole Regional
Council. In terms of GDP, the new region will be the
fourth largest in France and the 19
th
largest in Europe,
with a population of 5.6 million. Furthermore, the
72 700 km
2
area is characterised by sustained
population growth. Each year up to 2030, the
population is expected to increase by approximately
50 000 new inhabitants.
As such, Port
Authorities are open to
any projects proposed by
international operators
and are now focused on
strengthening the project
with industrial groups
that could invest in the
port, plan projects and
create local jobs. As a
result of its new nautical
conditions, the future
port will be able to trade
with different markets.
Today, Port La Nouvelle
only serves the
Mediterranean Rim,
Northern Europe and the
African West Coast. In
future, the port will
develop links with Asia,
the Indian Ocean and
South America.
products. The 45 000 m
3
facility consists of 10 tanks used
for reception, storage, blending, mixing and distribution,
and is connected to port facilities.
Expansion plans
Due to the increasing traffic and ever-increasing size of
ships, the Port Authorities have planned a deep sea port
expansion with an initial budget ranging from
€
210 - 325 million. The port expansion will see the
creation of a new outer harbour to accommodate larger
ocean going vessels (up to 225 m length x 36 m beam
x 14.50 m draft, dredging at -16 m), corresponding to ships
of approximately 80 000 dwt for dry cargoes, and even
more for liquid.
For the future port, 80 ha. of land
plots will be available
Storage of petroleum products at the EPPLN Terminal. Source: Chamber of
Commerce of Narbonne.
Computerised modellisation of the port.
Source: Pilot Station, Port-la-Nouvelle.
