cruise, 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.

"Zero fumes" 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 by the end of 2025 to allow ships to connect to shore power.The electrical power delivered will be 10MW per quay, 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.

Cost of the works :
> 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).
> Quay modernisation and electrification : €40m funded by HAROPA PORT (including €20m from central government and €1m from regional government).

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 [cruises].