Business France and the Port of Marseille Fos sign a strategic partnership

In the presence of Christophe Castaner, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Port of Marseille‑Fos, Laurent Saint‑Martin, Chief Executive Officer at Business France, and Hervé Martel, Chairman of the Executive Board of the Port of Marseille‑Fos, yesterday signed a partnership agreement to contribute to the re‑industrialization of France and the development of strategic sectors related to the “France 2030” plan.

This agreement defines the terms of collaboration with Business France to enable the port to promote its international strengths and position itself, as well as its wider region, as a major access point in France to the European market, and as a world‑class industrial port area.

The partnership between Business France and the port of Marseille‑Fos includes:

• The development of maritime flows and exports: The port wishes to explore new markets by promoting its competitive advantages. Business France will be able to provide its expertise to help achieve this  goal.
• The development of foreign investment: The port will provide Business France with tools to showcase its international strengths.
• Providing Technical information for Business France teams: The port will offer Business France’s international teams data and insights to raise awareness of port and logistics issues and activities.

Thanks to this partnership, collaboration between Business France and the port will be strengthened, as has already been the case recently:

• In September 2023, during the French Maritime Days in Saudi Arabia, high‑level contacts were established with Saudi stakeholders in the fields of alternative fuels, ship repair and cruise traffic.
• In October 2023, during the Investor Days in China, when the port’s low‑carbon logistics excellence was demonstrated to Chinese decision‑makers.
• In December 2023, during the Investor Days in India, when the port’s strategic logistic position and its commitment to decarbonization were highlighted.

The port is positioning itself as a key player and partner for Business France. The Marseille‑Fos port area is facing a historic period of transition on the energy, industrial and digital fronts. In April 2024, a total of 55 turnkey sites were announced as part of the “France 2030” plan, including eight in the Provence‑Alpes‑Côte d’Azur region and three directly in the port area (Innovex, Tonkin and Cavaou). These new sites will support the development of green industry, driving activities aligned with decarbonization targets. Among the major projects planned in Fos‑sur‑Mer is that of GravitHy, which plans to set up a factory to produce green iron and steel, while H2V intends to open a gigafactory to produce green hydrogen and methanol, and Carbon aims to open a solar panel factory. This project alone is expected to generate 3,000 new jobs.

Currently, 42,600 salaried jobs, spread across 1,570 establishments, are directly or indirectly linked to the activities of the port of Marseille‑Fos, which equates to 7.9% of salaried merchant shipping jobs in the Bouches‑du‑Rhône département (INSEE Provence‑Alpes‑Côte d’Azur region, May 2023).

“We’re delighted to sign this agreement with the Port of Marseille‑Fos, a strategic partner that embodies excellence and innovation in the field of maritime trade. This collaboration will not only strengthen our positioning on the international stage, but it will also stimulate economic growth, attract foreign investment and create new export opportunities for French businesses. Together, we’ll open new paths to prosperity and success.”

Laurent Saint‑Martin, Chief Executive Officer at Business France

 “The signing of this agreement between our two establishments marks a major step forward for industrial and port development. Thanks to this alliance, we’re bringing our skills together to better promote our international strengths and best meet the needs of foreign investors.”

Hervé Martel, Chairman of the Executive Board of the Port of Marseille‑Fos