PNA improves Ouistreham terminal

Around €16m was spent on the first phase of the improvements of the terminal which has provided a link between north-western France and the UK since 1986. Essential alterations were needed in order for the port to compete with its competition which is increasing in the wavering economic climate.

Jean-Michel Sévin, general manager, PNA, said: “After 18 months of construction work, the main elements of the project have been completed under the supervision of PNA, and are now ready to start operating.”

The Caen-Normandy Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Caen-Normandy CCI), which operates the Ouistreham terminal with Brittany Ferries, decided to improve the port’s facilities in 2010. Teh phase included parking facilities for unaccompanied trailers and heavy-goods vehicles (HGVs) which will be doubled to 280 along with the optimisation and enhanced security of the loading and unloading vehicles process.

The second phase of the project will further develop and modernise the port’s pre-existing platforms and will upgrade user facilities, costing a total of €3m.

Alongside the investment project, PNA has also been planning adjustments to the Channel crossings. The ferry terminal is expected to be fully operational by the end of 2012.