CONTAINER traffic through France's main port of Le Havre posted a decline of six per cent to 2.2 million TEU, owing to a 28 per cent fall in transshipment volume.

"Poor results in the first quarter (483,000 TEU) were partly compensated for over the following months. At 559,000 TEU, the second quarter was up 16 per cent compared with the first quarter.

Peak in activity came in the summer with 600,000 TEU. Although there was year-on-year growth of 5.7 per cent, the fourth quarter slowed to 576,000 TEU," said the statement from the port authority.


"Two factors explain these changes. Firstly, the return of customer confidence, after they saw an increase in productivity of 15 per cent following the effective application of the port reform in spring 2011. Secondly, was the dull economic circumstances during the second half of the year, the impact of which was felt in containerised activity," the port authority said. .

"One positive aspect to note within the context of 2011 is the good performance of traffic with the hinterland of the Port of Le Havre (at 1.85 million TEU). The excellent growth in inland waterway combined transport (up 14 per cent to 192,000 TEU) is worth emphasising. On the other hand, use of rail declined 13 per cent to 105,000 TEU, linked in particular with modernisation works being undertaken across the domestic rail network."

A port spokesman said the initial rise was a result of productivity gains at the port, but that this could not offset the tough economic conditions which returned later in the year.