Interview with : Jean-Claude Terrier, Managing Director of the Grand Port Maritime de Marseille

How does the Grand Port Maritime de Marseille intend to continue to stand out on the world stage?

Jean-Claude Terrier - By diversifying the products we receive. In addition to crude oil, we are adding refined petroleum products, biofuels and, above all, liquefied natural gas, with a terminal currently in the start-up phase and a future one in the pipeline.

In concrete terms, what will the two new terminals at Fos 2XL bring?

J.-C. T. - Thanks to these two terminals, the Port of Marseille Fos is strengthening its container offering. By entrusting their operation to the world's second and third largest shipping companies, we are ensuring the development of our traffic and a range of services tailored to international demand.

Despite the crisis and a fall in port traffic in 2009, is the outlook for the future still optimistic?

J.-C. T. - Oil and dry bulk (coal and cement) were the activities most affected by the crisis. Containers held up well in 2009. The first quarter of 2010 was marked by a strong recovery in the steel industry, while container sales continued their double-digit growth. For the future, we are therefore cautious but confident, as all our development projects have been confirmed. What's more, it's technical and social reliability, the smooth flow of traffic and links with the hinterland that will enable Marseille Fos to live up to its exceptional location.