Le Havre's Haropa Port reported record container traffic of 3.2 million TEU in 2025, up four per cent, supported by carrier-led investments, reports London's S&P Global.

Haropa, which includes the ports of Le Havre, Rouen and Paris, saw hinterland traffic rise four per cent to 2.3 million TEU, while transshipments increased 2.4 per cent. Deputy CEO Kris Danaradjou said performance would be strengthened in coming years by EUR1.2 billion (US$1.4 billion) in infrastructure investment from Mediterranean Shipping Co (MSC), CMA CGM and Hapag-Lloyd.

Mr Danaradjou noted operations were shaped by an unpredictable environment, including US tariffs, shifting carrier alliances and the normalistion of routing via the Cape of Good Hope instead of the Suez Canal. He said a potential return to Red Sea transits could challenge Le Havre, particularly during transition periods when vessels use both routes.

Le Havre has land available to terminals for yard clearance and multimodal options including road, rail and barge. As a deep-water port, ships can move from mooring to quay within an hour, Mr Danaradjou said.

Haropa prioritised multimodality to support decarbonisation. Barge traffic on the Seine corridor grew from 19.7 per cent in 2024 to 20.3 per cent last year. Rail transport from Le Havre reached a record 145,000 TEU, up 18 per cent, while Paris river terminals grew one per cent.

Despite US tariffs on the European Union, transatlantic trade remained stable at 180,000 TEU. The US is Haropa's largest export market, with wine and spirits making up 30 per cent of cargo, alongside chemicals, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and dairy products.