DEME, in partnership with TERELIAN, part of the VINCI group, has secured a sizable1 contract to boost Le Havre’s Port 2000 connectivity and operational capacity. A new access will be created through an 1,800-meter-long channel, protected by a breakwater.

Port 2000 can accommodate the world’s largest vessels and serves as a key hub for international trade and logistics within the HAROPA port network, including the ports of Le Havre, Rouen and Paris. This contract also marks a return to Le Havre for DEME, as the company played a key role in the original construction of Port 2000.

DEME will deploy several dredging vessels from its specialist fleet, with preparations in full swing and project completion scheduled for early 2028.

Jan Vandenbroeck, Area Director South Europe, comments: “Returning to Le Havre is a moment of pride for DEME. This important project highlights the strength of our expertise and the tailored solutions we bring to the port sector to support growing maritime trade. Together with our partner, VINCI subsidiary TERELIAN, we are excited to contribute to this next development phase of development for HAROPA port.”

By linking Port 2000 to the historic port and the Seine basin, this project, also known as La Chatière, will enhance the region’s competitiveness and contribute to France’s ambitions to promote inland waterways and sustainable waterborne transport. The new channel will give river barges direct access to the terminal in all weather and tidal conditions.