Check out
the new hub port.

by Graham Tutthill

Massive re-development is taking place at the port of Boulogne,
with a new ferry terminal virtually reaching completion.

Final adjustments are being made to the berth at the new
terminal, called the Hub Port, which the LD Lines’ seacat Norman
Arrow is due to use for the first time this autumn.

It had been hoped to open the terminal in July, but not
everything is in place, and berthing trials showed that more
fenders are needed to protect the sides of the craft while it is in
the berth. It is now expected to open early in September.

The 2,400 tonne linkspan took three days to be brought from
Rotterdam, where it was constructed, to Boulogne. Costing 10.5
million Euro, it can move vertically and horizontally to make sure
that it is in the right position for any width of ferry and at any
state of the tide.

The whole development covers 20 hectares and cost 45 million
Euro and approval is expected from regional government next year to
go ahead with the development of a second berth.

New facilities have been provided for British and French border
controls, as well as all the other accommodation that is needed for
a modern port.

Port development manager Bruno Nicaise says Boulogne has
aspirations for ferry services to Norway and Spain.

Boulogne is also France’s number one fishing port with hundreds
of lorries arriving and leaving every day.

The cargo terminal is busy, too, mainly importing paper
products, wood and pulp from America.

Boulogne looks set to make the most of the improving economic
situation, whenever that may be.