HAROPA handled a total of 3 million TEUs in 2017, setting a new record for container volume, according to full-year results released by the French port system.

The throughput represented a year-on-year growth of 14%.

According to HAROPA, the performance was as a result of the overall development of the company’s logistics sector, including shipping, cargo transit, connected logistics zones and diversified and multimodal inland transport services.

Hinterland container traffic surpassed 2 million TEUs for the first time, having grown by 7%. Transhipment grew by 39% and also set a new record.

In total, marine traffic at HAROPA’s ports amounted to 92.6 million tonnes, a year-on-year increase of 6%.

In the year ahead, HAROPA said that it would develop new rail and river connections, such as a rail shuttle from Le Havre to Switzerland and an inland river service from Le Havre to Bonneuil-sur-Marne, upstream Paris. HAROPA will also continue innovating with green and smart initiatives.

Further growth in container traffic is expected in 2018 due to Le Havre being the first port of call for a new Asia-Europe service from The Alliance in April, according to HAROPA.