General framework of the activity
Nantes Saint-Nazaire Port is a public body and implements government policy for infrastructure planning and sustainability while addressing the economy, employment and the environment.
Its remit is broad and includes: building, operating and maintaining maritime access, policing, security and safety, preserving natural areas, building and servicing infrastructure, promoting rail and river access, managing industrial estates and logistics, and overall promotion of the port.
Each year, more than 3000 merchant ships stop at the port sites of Nantes Saint-Nazaire.
With 32.5 million tonnes in 2018, Nantes Saint-Nazaire is the 4th largest seaport in mainland France and the largest port on the French Atlantic coast. Its territory extends over 65 km along the Loire estuary.
Specific skills in the MRE field
The marine renewable energy (MRE) sector is a reality for Nantes – Saint Nazaire Port. The Haliade prototype offshore wind turbine is installed at the Le Carnet port facility, GE has located factories at Montoir de Bretagne on a 40-hectare industrial site, the Anemos (Les Chantiers de l’Atlantique) production facility and a logistics hub for the reception and assembly of offshore wind turbine components are now established in Saint Nazaire.
Nantes – Saint Nazaire offers this expanding sector its logistical solutions for the reception and processing of heavy or large-sized industrial assemblies. The port-based offer also includes the required infrastructures (quays, docks and basins) and equipment. Real-estate opportunities make it possible to accommodate new activities at the centre for industrial operations at Montoir de Bretagne and at the 100-hectare Le Carnet facility. Supported by the commitment of an entire Region, the MRE sector receives the port-related investments to match the stakes involved.
Test facilities applicable to MRE
The port offers 3 major sites for the reception of the MRE sector:
- in Saint-Nazaire, a logistics hub of 12 ha, basins, quays reinforced to 15t/m2 and a 400 t bigue;
- in Montoir, a 30 ha industrial pole in direct connection with the roll-on/roll-off and container terminals, and a quay reinforced to 15t/m2 with the presence of the GE factory for the assembly of offshore nacelles;
- and at the Carnet site, a 110-hectare site under development.
