Sea & Coastal Freight Water Transport in France - Market Size, Industry Analysis, Trends and Forecasts (2025-2029)

Sea & Coastal Freight Water Transport in France industry analysis

The French Sea and Coastal Freight Water Transport industry has historically played a vital role in the nation's economy, harnessing its extensive 5,500-kilometre coastline along the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. Despite this extensive coverage, the industry has lagged behind European counterparts like the Netherlands, Spain and Italy, largely due to differences in strategic location, advanced port infrastructure and intermodal systems. Even as the EU's second-largest economy, France has faced challenges in maritime performance, often being outperformed in total port throughput and container traffic. This underscores the need for significant investment in infrastructure and intermodal capabilities to enhance the industry’s competitiveness. Still, over the five years through 2025, revenue is expected to grow at a compound annual rate of 6.9% to €25.2 billion, including a forecast rise of 2.1% in 2025.
The French maritime transport market remains a pivotal component of global and regional logistics, actively involving over 130 companies. Major multinational enterprises such as CMA CGM, AP Moller-Maersk and MSC dominate the market with their expansive networks and versatile services. Complementing these giants are specialised companies like Louis Dreyfus and Marfret, enriching the industry's offering with diverse shipping solutions. However, the industry contends with intricate regulatory landscapes, including rigorous environmental requirements that necessitate substantial investment in new technologies. To alleviate financial pressures, freight companies often register ships under "flags of convenience," a practice that faces criticism but is prevalent for cost management.
Over the five years through 2030, revenue is expected to rise at a compound annual rate of 1.8% to €27.5 billion. Looking ahead, the industry will encounter both challenges and opportunities shaped by geopolitical tensions and shifting regional sourcing trends, which significantly affect global trade. To sustain competitiveness, companies will actively invest in energy-efficient vessels and alternative fuels, such as LNG and methanol, to align with regulations like the EU Emissions Trading System. Modernising key ports, especially Le Havre, will be vital for boosting operational efficiency and sustainability. Strategic alliances, like the OCEAN Alliance, will help companies navigate market volatility and optimise capacity.

Trends and Insights

• Freight rates have surged due to operational and supply chain disruption. Port congestion, a container shortage, container scarcity, and continuous COVID-related restrictions in major manufacturing and shipping hubs have spurred a spike in freight rates.
• Europe's coal comeback has boosted dry-bulk transport volumes. The spike in natural gas prices led to an unexpected short-term increase in demand for coal for electricity generation, encouraging demand for dry bulk transport.
• Major multinational shipping companies dominate container shipping markets. The size and scale of vessels required for container shipping ensures that only a select number of companies have the resources to conduct these operations.