In 2022, a collaborative effort between Haropa Port and the conurbation of Le Havre Seine Metropole led to the establishment of a new entity - GIP Le Havre Croisieres - tasked with overseeing the management of cruise terminals and the development of additional facilities at the Port of Le Havre.
Steven Protois, serving as the general manager, and Valerie Conan, appointed as cruise director, represented the organization at Seatrade Global in Miami, where they presented the Pointe de Floride development initiative.
This project encompasses the construction of 3 modern terminals equipped with onshore power supply (OPS) across 3 dedicated cruise berths. The phased demolition of existing hangars has commenced, with the terminals set to be introduced gradually. These new structures are designed to be energy-positive, incorporating features such as photovoltaic roofs, energy-efficient operations, and low-carbon construction methodologies.
Terminals 2 (capable of accommodating 6,000 passengers) and 3 (designed for 1,000 passengers) located at Quai Pierre Callet (530m long, 12m depth) and Quai Joannes Couvert (500m long, 12m depth) respectively, will undergo refurbishment and integration, anticipated for operation by September 2025.
Terminal 1, capable of hosting 3,500 passengers, situated at Quai Roger Meunier (470m long, 9m depth), is slated for completion by January 2026.
Adequate pier availability has been assured for confirmed calls during both peak and off-peak seasons.
The provision of onshore power across all three quays, supplying 10mW each, mirrors the system deployed in Kiel. Notably, the energy mix comprises 60% nuclear, 29% renewable, and 6% gas sources.
To mitigate the impact of extreme tides in Le Havre, new passenger boarding bridges feature an intermediate podium, reducing incline variations.
Spanning 9 hectares, the Pointe de Floride site offers panoramic views of the Port of Le Havre and the UNESCO World Heritage city center coastline. Planned amenities include landscaped promenades and a rooftop terrace on Terminal 1, providing both passengers and residents with a unique vantage point.
The project entails a total investment of EUR 100 million, jointly funded by Haropa and GIP Le Havre Croisieres, with contributions from Le Havre Seine Metropole and the Normandy region.
Continuous enhancements to visitor attractions are underway, exemplified by initiatives like Un Ete au Havre, transforming the city into an open-air contemporary art exhibition during the summer months. Additionally, a new contemporary art gallery, scheduled for completion in late 2025, aims to enrich the cultural landscape.
For the current year, the port anticipates 162 calls, including 54 turnarounds (primarily partial). Passenger traffic is projected to reach 490,000 individuals. With the completion of the development project, the port's capacity will accommodate up to 13,500 passengers daily, encompassing 6,000 turnarounds/transits in Terminals 2 and 3,500 in Terminal 1, with future projections for 2030 estimating 600,000 passengers.