BERRE

• FRBEE
• Latitude: 43.46
• Longitude: 5.15147
• West Mediterranean
• Port in France

Location: Berre-l'Étang 13130 France

Port of Berre L'Étang, France

General Overview: The Port of Berre L'Étang, often simply referred to as Berre, is situated in the region of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur in southern France. It lies along the western shore of the Étang de Berre, a large saltwater lagoon that connects to the Mediterranean Sea. This industrial port is an integral part of the larger Marseille-Fos Port complex and serves as a critical hub for petrochemical and hydrocarbon industries.

Location:

• Latitude/Longitude: Approximately 43.4870° N, 5.1628° E
• Country: France
• Region: Bouches-du-Rhône, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur

Functions and Activities:

• Primary Functions: Import/export of crude oil, refined petroleum products, petrochemicals, liquefied natural gas (LNG), and other industrial materials.
• Secondary Functions: Storage, processing, and distribution of petrochemical products.

Port Infrastructure:

• Terminals: Specialized terminals for crude oil, refined products, petrochemicals, and LNG.
• Berths: Multiple deep-water berths designed to accommodate large tankers and cargo vessels.
• Storage Facilities: Large tank farms for both crude and refined petroleum products, as well as storage for LNG and other chemicals.

Connectivity:

• Road Access: Well-connected to major motorways linking the port to inland industrial zones and other major cities in France.
• Rail Access: Rail lines serve the port, facilitating the efficient movement of goods to and from inland destinations.
• Pipeline:
  • Extensive pipeline network for crude oil and products directly linking the port to refineries and industrial plants.

Water Depth and Navigation:

• Channel Depth: The access channel is dredged to accommodate large tankers; specific depth details may change due to maintenance and dredging operations but are typically around 15-20 meters.
• Tide and Weather Conditions: Regular monitoring of tides and weather conditions ensures the safe passage of vessels.

Facilities and Services:

• Cargo Handling: Comprehensive facilities for loading and unloading liquid bulk cargo.
• Storage: Extensive storage capabilities with a focus on safety and environmental protection.
• Bunkering: Availability of bunkering services for ships.
• Ship Services: Includes towing, pilotage, mooring, and maintenance services.
• Environmental Compliance: Adheres to stringent environmental regulations to minimize pollution and ecological impact.

Economic Significance:

• The Port of Berre is crucial to the regional economy, supporting numerous industries and providing significant employment opportunities.
• It plays a vital role in the supply chain for France's petrochemical industry, ensuring the steady supply of raw materials and distribution of finished products.

Security:

• The port operates under strict security protocols, including compliance with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, to safeguard against potential threats and ensure the safety of operations.

Summary:

The Port of Berre L'Étang is a pivotal industrial port in France, specializing in the handling and processing of petroleum and petrochemical products. It boasts robust infrastructure, extensive storage facilities, and is well-connected via road, rail, and pipeline networks, making it critical to the regional and national economies. The port operates under stringent environmental and security regulations, ensuring safe and efficient operations.