Port of Dunkirk Makes Progress with Ambitious Expansion Plan
23rd May 2018
The Port of Dunkirk has reiterated its commitment to the ambitious CAP 2020 project, following positive feedback to a public consultation exercise.
Dunkerque-Port designed the CAP 2020 project with the aim of increasing its capacity to berth the largest new-generation container carriers as well as offering a complete logistics system through the construction of a new complex in the Western Port to include quays, dock and logistics parks.
The port is a major player in goods transport and the economy of the Hauts-de-France region. It enjoys an ideal geographic location in northern Europe on one of the world’s busiest seaways, large land reserves, and a potential market of 80 million consumers; as well, its good accessibility and high-quality infrastructures enable it to berth very large ships such as latest-generation container carriers.
As France’s foremost multimodal port, Dunkerque-Port is steadily strengthening its position with a constantly-growing share of road-alternative transport modes (52% in 2017). Based on expected growth in container shipping, the CAP 2020 project is expected to have positive effects on the regional economy in terms of jobs and added value, promote multimodal transport systems thanks to efficient rail and waterway connections, and reduce the environmental impact of goods transport.
A public consultation was held from 19 September to 22 December 2017 in which 78.5% of those taking part expressed a favourable opinion through the CPDP questionnaire.
The National Public Consultation Committee (CNDP) reports also contained various suggestions and recommendations for the Port regarding the continuation of the project. Based on these conclusions, Dunkerque-Port has decided to continue with the studies for the CAP 2020 project in order to prepare the file which will be submitted to the Public Enquiry.