Haropa Port Sees Strong Growth In Container Traffic Amid Bulk Cargo Decline In H1 2025

Haropa Port reported handling 1.51 million TEUs in the first half of 2025, a 4% increase compared to its already record-breaking performance in the same period of 2024. While total maritime traffic showed a slight dip, the growth in container volumes and low-carbon transport modes reflects the port’s continued momentum and alignment with sustainable logistics strategies on the Seine corridor.

Container Traffic Hits Record Highs

Between January and June 2025, Haropa Port’s container traffic reached 1.51 million TEUs, marking a 4% year-on-year growth. This included 1.08 million TEUs in hinterland flows and 0.43 million TEUs in transshipment volumes. In tonnage terms, the port handled 14.78 million tonnes of containerized cargo, a 2% increase. These figures demonstrate the port’s continued strength in global trade, even as other segments showed declines.

Modal Shift Supports Low-Carbon Logistics

Haropa Port’s modal shift strategy continues to bear fruit, reinforcing its focus on sustainable transport. In the first five months of 2025:

• River container transport grew by 8.5% in TEUs.

• Rail transport increased by a notable 16.7%.

These developments support Haropa Port’s goal to reduce the carbon footprint of freight movement along the Seine corridor by promoting mass transport over road-based options.

Bulk Cargo Sees Mixed Performance

Despite positive trends in container traffic, maritime traffic overall dropped by 4.9%, reaching 39.9 million tonnes.

• Liquid bulk fell by 5.9%, largely due to a refinery maintenance shutdown at Esso’s sites in Port-Jérôme-sur-Seine and Gonfreville l’Orcher.

  • Refined product volumes dropped by 16.3% (6.54 million tonnes),

  • While crude oil rose by 7% (9.48 million tonnes).

• Solid bulk was hit the hardest, dropping 19% to 5.79 million tonnes.

In parallel, Haropa Port is also preparing for future green energy transitions. Qair, a renewable energy firm, secured a site at the port in Le Havre to develop the Methavert e-methanol production project, indicating the port’s role in supporting clean fuel initiatives.

While Haropa Port faced challenges in bulk cargo segments during the first half of 2025, the robust growth in container volumes and the rise in low-emission transport modes highlight the port’s resilience and evolving environmental strategy. With ongoing developments like the Methavert e-fuel project, Haropa Port is positioning itself not only as a trade hub but also as a leader in sustainable port logistics.