Although it has been rather discreet in recent months, the Union Maritime de la Rade de Toulon (UMRT) has not been idle. With around thirty companies, which represent some 2,000 jobs for a turnover of 300 million euros, it has even worked very seriously on the thirty-year future of the “commerce” terminals in the harbor. A strategic vision summarized in a document prosaically called “Ports 2055”.
The latter is, for the moment, not intended to be made public. The UMRT initially keeps its proposals for decision-makers, in particular the elected officials of the Toulouse area (among whom Josée Massi, Geneviève Levy, Yannick Chenevard, Michel Bonnus, Nathalie Bicais and Gilles Vincent) to whom it presented the port activities during multiple visits to the harbor.
Philippe Garo, the president of the UMRT, nevertheless agrees to reveal some ideas: “For the Brégaillon terminal, for example, we want an extension of the quay in order to have three Ro-Ro stations there (including two outside the security zone)”. And to add: “Our proposals are intended to improve the existing situation. Including in terms of the acceptability of ports in the Metropolis”.
Necessary approval from the French Navy
Make no mistake: the “Ports 2055” document defends the development of maritime economic activity in Toulon harbor. “The UMRT – independent and without public funding – insists Philippe Garo, is there to defend the interests of maritime businesses in the harbour. Our medium and long-term strategic vision must allow companies to plan ahead. Without vision, there will be no investments”. But the UMRT does not have delusions of grandeur either. “We have ambition for Toulon harbour, but a measured ambition. All our development and planning proposals are realistic”insists the president.
As proof, the latter is well aware of the particularity of Toulon harbor: “We are in a military harbor and Toulon is a projection port. Everything is therefore done in consultation with the French Navy”. A regular user of the Brégaillon freight terminal, particularly for the stopovers of its chartered ships, the French Navy would also have an interest in seeing the development of efficient civilian port facilities.
As for the governance that will be chosen as part of the renewal of the concession in 2026, if they have their idea, those responsible for the UMRT keep it to themselves. “We looked at what is being done elsewhere. We have an opinion on the issue, but it would not be our role to communicate officially on this point”confides Philippe Garo, cautiously.
