Hot Month at Marseille Fos
In contrast to an international downturn, French port Marseille Fos has reported exceptional results for July with 7.8 million metric tons of cargo and 387,000 passengers – up by 18.6 percent and 13 percent respectively on the same month last year.
General cargo totaled 1.64 million metric tons (up 8 percent) after growth in all three sectors – containers, ro-ro and conventional. Box throughput rose 11 percent to more than 1 million metric tons, representing a 12 percent unit increase to 112,768 teu. Traffic through the Fos deep sea container terminals is now 4 percent ahead on the first seven months of last year, while the Terminal de Mediterranee in Marseille set a July record for its container activity.
Liquid bulks were 26 percent better at 5.11 million metric tons. Oil and gas volumes rose 28 percent to 4.76 million metric tons, which included crude imports up 41 percent on 3 million metric tons and LNG soaring 71 percent to 620,000 metric tons. Liquid chemicals and agro-products increased by 4 percent increase to 350,000 metric tons.
Dry bulks gained 3 percent for 1.07 million metric tons, largely due to imports of raw materials for the steel industry rising by 8 percent to 790,000 metric tons.
Passenger throughput was notable for a 31 percent increase in cruise numbers to 199,000. Those in transit rose 36 percent to 149,000, while the home port total of 50,000 marked an 18 percent improvement. Ferry carryings on North Africa and Corsica services were 1 percent down on July last year at 188,000.
