Arles Port: Designation of the Sub-Concessionaire Consortium for the Operation and Modernization of the Port
December 20th, 2024
CNR (Compagnie Nationale du Rhône), concessionaire of the Rhône River, announces today, December 20, 2024, the appointment of the sub-concessionaire consortium for the Port of Arles.The consortium is composed of the CCI of the Pays d’Arles (lead entity), NGE Concessions, the Banque des Territoires (Caisse des Dépôts Group), the Caisse d’Epargne CEPAC, and the Compagnie Fluviale de Transport (Sogestran Group).
The sub-concession of the public Port of Arles spans a 25-year period and includes the development, operation, maintenance, and major upkeep of the port to support the growth of bulk cargo flows. This marks a strategic turning point for the Port of Arles, which will undergo complete modernization during the first two years of the project.
CCI of the Pays d’Arles to Oversee Port Operations
As a key player in local economic development, the CCI of the Pays d’Arles will manage port activities, including all services, particularly cargo handling.
The CCI’s strategy aligns with that of the Mediterranean-Rhône-Saône Axis (MeRS). Accessible to 3,000-ton ships, the Port of Arles complements other river ports such as GPMM, the Port of Toulon, and the Port of Sète Sud de France. With 40 years of experience and handling over 500,000 tons of goods in 2023, the CCI has developed expertise and a recognized track record. It is investing in equipment and promotional efforts to ensure reliability, quality, and growth.
The CCI has ambitious goals for the Port of Arles, leveraging its multimodal accessibility and aligning with sustainable logistics solutions. By focusing on circular economy sectors (scrap metal, biomass), the wood industry (pulpwood and timber), and maritime containers, the CCI aims to promote mass transportation.
Consortium Investment for Modernization of the Port of Arles, with Work by NGE
The sub-concessionaire consortium, comprising NGE Concessions (35%), the CCI of the Pays d’Arles (35%), the Banque des Territoires (14.99%), the Caisse d’Epargne CEPAC (10.01%), and the Compagnie Fluviale de Transport (5%), will invest a total of €7 million in the modernization of the Port of Arles.
A 100% NGE construction group (Guintoli as lead, EHTP for pipelines, Agilis for concrete roads, NGE Routes, and NGE GC for civil engineering) will execute the modernization works under the project management of Egis, aiming to increase river freight capacity. For the Arles-born construction group, headquartered nearby, it is a source of pride to finance and contribute to the modernization of this river port, an ideal site for developing innovative and environmentally friendly logistics solutions.
Planned Works by NGE
- Construction of facilities for rainwater collection, storage, and treatment before discharge into the natural environment.
- Construction of a 200m² concrete washing area equipped with a decanter/settling system to treat wastewater from ship cleaning before disposal.
- Installation of a hydraulic network, storage platforms, and a complete relamping of the lighting network.
- Installation of supply terminals on the quay edge to provide water and electricity to docked ships.
- Implementation of a video surveillance system using existing lighting poles for comprehensive site monitoring.
The works will ensure the site meets environmental standards.
Modernization in Line with Ecological Transition
This project aligns with the strategic roadmap of the consortium members, emphasizing ecological transition, decarbonized mobility, and water cycle management as key priorities.
KEY FIGURES
- 55 hectares, including 12 hectares under sub-concession for the public port.
- 4.25 meters: berthing depth at the quay.
- 343,000 tons: annual river freight handled by the public port.
- 250 stops: annual river traffic.
- Over 300 trains: annual rail traffic.
A ton of goods transported by river consumes four times less energy than by road and emits three to four times less greenhouse gas.
Stéphane PAGLIA, President of the CCI of the Pays d’Arles:
"It is an honor for the CCI of the Pays d’Arles to be part of this consortium committed to securing the future of the port. Established over 40 years ago by the CCI as part of a regional development initiative, the Port of Arles has evolved into a major economic driver thanks to a clear vision and concrete actions. We are thrilled to contribute to its future growth by continuing to create and adapt the tools necessary for its development. Our ambition is to make the port a genuine lever for economic growth, fully engaged in modal shift and ecological transition. I would like to thank all our consortium partners and the project team for their work in renewing this concession."
Jean BERNADET, President of NGE:
"We are immensely proud to be part of the sub-concessionaire consortium for the Port of Arles. Supporting the financing of such an infrastructure, with a focus on ecological sustainability and regional development, aligns with our commitment to fostering projects that promote ecological transition and economic growth. Our teams will be involved over the next 25 years, transforming and strengthening the port as a central economic hub for the region."
Alexis ROUQUE, Regional Director of the Caisse des Dépôts:
"We are delighted to contribute to this value-creating project for the region, which will enhance the transport of goods by increasing volumes on the Rhône. By co-financing this initiative, the Banque des Territoires, leveraging its extensive experience in port investments, reaffirms its commitment to accelerating transport decarbonization and participating in the ecological and energy transformation of the country—one of the Caisse des Dépôts’ primary missions."
About the Key Organizations
CCI Pays d’Arles - The CCI of the Pays d’Arles represents over 17,000 companies across 36 municipalities, actively supporting local economic development for over 40 years. It manages four key regional assets: the Port, the Congress Center, the Business Hotel, and the Training Campus, including the EGC Business School.
NGE - As the fourth-largest French construction group, NGE builds major infrastructures and urban or local projects. With expertise in financing, design, construction, and maintenance, the group addresses economic and ecological challenges. Present in 20 countries with €4 billion in revenue and 23,000 employees, NGE develops solutions for water, mobility, urban renovation, energy, and telecom transitions.
Banque des Territoires (Caisse des Dépôts Group) - A one-stop shop for territorial actors, the Banque des Territoires provides solutions for ecological transformation, social cohesion, and sustainable development. With 37 regional offices, it ensures action across metropolitan and overseas territories.
Caisse d’Epargne CEPAC - A key player in local economic activity, the bank serves 1.4 million clients across 13 regions, including overseas territories. CEPAC is committed to ecological transition, with €3.4 million allocated annually to CSR initiatives.
Compagnie Fluviale de Transport (CFT) - The Compagnie Fluviale de Transport is France’s leading inland shipping company for industrial transport, including liquid bulk (oil, chemicals, gas), solid bulk, and XXL heavy parcels. The company operates in France and across Europe. Its 110 vessels navigate the Seine, Rhône, Loire, Rhine, and Danube, manned by experienced crews committed to handling the goods entrusted by their clients.
CFT is a subsidiary of the Sogestran Group, whose core expertise lies in inland waterway transport. Founded in 1948 in Le Havre, this family-owned group now employs nearly 1,000 staff across France and Northwestern Europe, both onshore and aboard vessels, spread across more than 30 companies. The group achieved a turnover of €352 million in 2023. Beyond inland waterway transport, the group is active in maritime transport (specializing in niche markets such as petrochemical products and military equipment), multimodal transport (organizing combined transport solutions involving river, rail, and road containerized freight), and industrial services (including cleaning and management of tanks and wagons as well as the storage of hazardous materials).
Press Contacts:
CCI Pays d’Arles: Aurélie MURZEAU – amurzeau@arles.cci.fr – 04 90 99 08 08
NGE: Eloi FOUQUOIRE – eloi.fouquoire@gmail.com – 06 76 77 11 56
Caisse d’Epargne: Emilie SPAGNOLO – Director of Communication – emilie.spagnolo-bardin@cepac.caisse-epargne.fr – 06 84 77 98 92