Shipping giant MSC has unveiled plans to capitalize on burgeoning opportunities in project cargo and breakbulk through its new inland freight terminal near Paris. This facility, officially known as the Paris-Bruyères MEDLOG Inland Terminal, is positioned as a pivotal multimodal hub that promises to enhance logistical efficiencies and stimulate economic growth across France.
Located approximately 40 kilometres north of the French capital, the MEDLOG facility features a two-track rail terminal and a 230-metre-long river quay, which will enable heavy cargoes to be transported efficiently via road, rail, or barge. The terminal, which claims an operational capacity of 100,000 TEUs annually, is anticipated to significantly boost productivity and drive economic development in the Île-de-France region, a critical area for both domestic and international trade.
MSC’s logistics branch has highlighted the terminal’s potential to support the logistics sector’s decarbonisation efforts, promising to cut down on road transport and its associated carbon emissions. Salvatore Prudente, Executive Director of MEDLOG, stated during an inaugural ceremony that the company is committed to investing in strategically located multimodal terminals. “When the opportunity arises, we invest without hesitation in this type of well-located and multimodal terminals, in order to better serve our clients through closer proximity to their facilities,” he noted, emphasising both service improvement and environmental considerations.
The terminal’s development aligns with broader infrastructural goals, including the Port 2000 project at Le Havre, which seeks to reinforce the port’s status as a key gateway for Northwest Europe. The construction of the MEDLOG Inland Terminal was initiated in September 2023 and is slated for completion by the end of 2024. It is expected to handle a diverse range of goods, such as containers, bulk, swap bodies, and heavy parcels. The project is also poised to create over 1,000 jobs, further underlining its significance within the local economy.
In a recent statement, the company reiterated its focus on sustainability and the green agenda, which is reflected in the operational plans for the new terminal. The facility aims to reduce carbon emissions associated with cargo transport, contributing to a greener logistics corridor along the Seine axis. As the terminal approaches its operational debut, its anticipated success could provide a model for future logistics developments across France and beyond.
Ultimately, MSC’s forward-looking investment in the MEDLOG Inland Terminal at Bruyères-sur-Oise may not only enhance its logistical operations but could serve as a catalyst for widespread economic benefits throughout the Île-de-France region and the wider French economy. As more details emerge and construction progresses, the industry will be watching closely to see how this new infrastructure will shape the landscape of European supply chains.
Reference Map
- MSC Announcement on Multimodal Terminal
- HAROPA PORT and MEDLOG Joint Project Details
- Economic Impact and Employment Opportunities from Terminal Development
Source: Noah Wire Services
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