Marseille-Fos port sees 13% rise in container traffic despite overall volume drop

In the first six months, the Marseille‑Fos port handled 36.2 million tonnes of cargo, a 3 % decline overall, while container volumes surged by 13 % (823,000 EVP) and container tonnage rose 18 % to 10.8 Mt. The growth was driven by strong Asia trade, with China remaining the port’s top partner, and by increased transshipment activity.

The port authority reported that investments are accelerating, with €95 million already spent of a €125 million program slated for 2026. A new 45‑hectare Port Services Zone 2 (ZSP2) is under construction, awarded to Guintoli (a NGE subsidiary) for €25.9 million. The authority said: “Cette nouvelle zone de près de 45 hectares accompagnera la croissance du trafic conteneurisé en créant de nouvelles capacités dédiées aux activités de stockage, de maintenance et de logistique des conteneurs… Elle intégrera également une cour ferroviaire… contribuant à la compétitivité et à la décarbonation de la place portuaire.” Other cargo segments showed modest changes: RoRo traffic rose 1 %, while solid and liquid bulk fell 19 % and 5 % respectively.