Work underway on Marseilles-Fos extension

Fos 2XL consists of an additional two terminals, each to be operated by a private stevedoring partner appointed through international tender. One has been designated to Port Synergy, the CMA-CGM/P&O Ports grouping, and the other to MSC.

Negotiations with the private operators are set to conclude in the autumn. The PMA says it will then be in a position to prioritise the main works schedule, authorise its operating agreements with the partners and approve arrangements for state financial aid.

Subject to the decisions on these points, the PMA plans an early-2007 start on the major infrastructure works. The estimated €206m cost will be funded by the port and regional authorities as well as by the national government.