The Wolfson Centre for Bulk Solids Handling Technology

Records and progress at Dunkerque-Port

(Posted on 14/01/19)

Dunkerque-Port's annual traffic reached 51.6 MT last year, up 3% compared with 2017 (50.2 MT).

Solid bulk traffic increased 5% to 25.91 MT. Ore traffic set a new record, for the first time passing the 15 MT mark, driven by the activity of the ArcelorMittal plant in Dunkerque, but also by the very good figures for transshipment flows at the West bulk cargo dock (Quai à Pondéreux Ouest) for the other steel plants of the Group. Logically, coal traffic was also up 7% at 6.4 MT. Grain continued to be impacted by unfavourable market conditions, although traffic was up 11% at 1.44 MT. The consolidation of an import traffic flow (0.16 MT) is worth noting. Driven by the start-up of new industrial sites, the traffic in minor bulk once again remained buoyant at 3.05 MT (+ 11%).

Liquid bulk was up 8% at 5.48 MT, driven by the build-up in LNG traffic. The latter increased remarkably 56% to stand at 1.22 MT. Overall, gas traffic (LNG + industrial gases) posted a gain of 37% at 1.71 MT. Petroleum products were down 3% at 3.34 MT, while other liquid bulk rose 19% to stand at 0.43 MT. Press Release, Thursday, 10 January 2019 2

General cargo traffic was subdued with a significant overall decrease of 2% to 20.17 MT. CrossChannel traffic (15.58 MT) slightly decreased: the number of trucks and trailers dropped 4% to 596 000 freight units while that of passenger cars stood at 687 000 vehicles (- 2%). Containers again posted a record year at 422,000 TEU, up 13%. The same applied to full containers, up 14%.

2018 was marked by the completion of the works to extend the Quai de Flandre in the West Port costing a total of more than €60 million. During last year, Dunkerque-Port almost finalized the implementation of its Strategic Project, with the development of an investment program of nearly €65 million (up 33% more than in 2017), mainly devoted to the pursuit of the major development projects for the West Port, with the completion of the extension of the wharf in Flanders, but also the continuation of development work in the Dunkerque International Logistics South area and the start of work in the Heavy Industries area.

2018 was also a year rich in new industrial facilities, the most emblematic of which being that of the SNF Floerger company, which is investing €60 million in the Dunkerque region and will create 100 jobs.

The 2019 investment budget, approved by the Supervisory Board on 30 November 2018, amounted to €48 million. 2019 will be mainly devoted to the completion of the major development projects of the West Port.