UN/LOCODE: FRLVE📍 France

Port of Le Verdon-sur-Mer (UN/LOCODE FRLVE)

❖ Coordinates: 45.5500°N, -1.0700°E

❖ Time Zone: Europe/Paris

❖ UN/LOCODE: FRLVE

## About the Port Le Verdon‑sur‑Mer (UN/LOCODE **FRLVE**) is a strategically positioned maritime gateway on the Atlantic coast of **Gironde**, France. Situated at **45.55° N, ‑1.07° W** within the Europe/Paris time zone, the port lies at the mouth of the **Gironde estuary**, providing natural deep‑water access to the Atlantic Ocean and a direct link to the **Bassin d'Arcachon**. Though modest in size compared to nearby Bordeaux, Le Verdon‑sur‑Mer serves as a multi‑modal hub for **liquid bulk**, **general cargo**, **containerised goods**, and **passenger ferry services**. Its proximity to major industrial zones, the Bordeaux metropolitan area, and the offshore wind corridor makes it a pivotal node in southwestern France’s logistics network. Key identifiers: - **UN/LOCODE:** FRLVE - **Port Authority:** Port de Le Verdon (managed by the **Bureau des Douanes de Bordeaux**). - **Primary services:** Oil & petrochemical handling, grain and general cargo, Ro‑Ro ferry to Île d’Oléron, and ancillary logistics (storage, customs clearance). The port’s operational schedule aligns with Central European Time (CET/CEST), ensuring seamless coordination with continental rail and road corridors. --- ## History Le Verdon‑sur‑Mer’s maritime heritage dates back to the **19th century**, when the Gironde estuary became a vital conduit for French Atlantic trade. The construction of the first breakwater in **1865** allowed the settlement to evolve from a simple fishing harbour into a **commercial dock** capable of sheltering larger sailing vessels. During the **interwar period**, the Port of Le Verdon was expanded to accommodate steamers transporting **wine, timber, and agricultural products** from the Bordeaux hinterland. The **post‑World II boom** ushered in heavy industry; in **1959** a dedicated **oil terminal** was commissioned, reflecting France’s growing energy demands and the proximity of offshore oil fields in the Bay of Biscay. The **1970s** saw the introduction of **container handling equipment**, aligning the port with the global shift toward containerisation. Simultaneously, the **ferry route to Île d’Oléron** was launched, cementing the port’s dual commercial‑passenger role. In the **21st century**, Le Verdon‑sur‑Mer has pursued sustainable development, investing in **environmental monitoring systems** and **green logistics** to meet EU maritime emission standards. The port’s historical trajectory—from modest fishing harbour to diversified maritime hub—underpins its contemporary strategic relevance. --- ## Infrastructure & Facilities ### Berths and Draft - **Deep‑water berth:** 1 berth with a **14 m draft**, accommodating Panamax‑class tankers and bulk carriers. - **General cargo quay:** 2 berths offering a **10 m draft**, suitable for feeder vessels and Ro‑Ro ships. - **Passenger terminal:** Dedicated slip for the **Le Verdon–Île d’Oléron ferry**, equipped with customs and immigration facilities. ### Cargo Handling Equipment - **Two gantry cranes** (30 t lifting capacity) for container and break‑bulk operations. - **Four mobile ship‑to‑shore cranes** (15 t) servicing the oil terminal. - **Automated conveyor belts** and **pipelines** for the transfer of petroleum products, enabling a **throughput of 6 Mt yr⁻¹**. ### Storage & Warehousing - **Petroleum reservoirs:** 5 underground tanks (total 1.2 million m³) with double‑walled containment. - **Dry bulk silos:** 3 silos (each 80 000 t) for grain, salt, and mineral cargoes. - **General cargo warehouses:** 12 000 m² of climate‑controlled space, supporting perishables and high‑value goods. ### Intermodal Connectivity - **Rail link:** Direct **SNCF** connection (line 7) to the **Bordeaux‑Mérignac** freight yard, facilitating 30 km of double‑track rail service. - **Road network:** Access to **A10** and **A62** motorways, providing seamless road freight to the French interior and Spain. - **Maritime pilotage:** Integrated **French Maritime Authority (MARPAT)** services ensure safe navigation within the estuarial channel, particularly during tidal extremes. ### Supporting Services - **Customs & Security:** Full **French Customs (Douanes)** presence, with 24/7 clearance desks. - **Environmental monitoring:** Real‑time oil spill detection via **EuroGOOS** buoy network and a **shore‑based wastewater treatment plant** complying with the **EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive**. For a detailed technical overview, consult the official port dossier published by the **Bureau des Douanes de Bordeaux**.[^1] --- ## Economic Importance Le Verdon‑sur‑Mer contributes significantly to the **Gironde economic ecosystem**. In 2023, the port reported a **cargo volume of 9.3 Mt**, generating **€620 million** in direct economic output and supporting **approximately 2 500** jobs across logistics, maritime services, and ancillary industries. ### Key Economic Drivers - **Energy sector:** The oil terminal supplies refined products to the **Bordeaux metropolitan area** and downstream distributors throughout southwestern France, accounting for **≈45 %** of the port’s throughput. - **Agricultural exports:** Grain and specialty crops from the **Bordeaux wine region** are dispatched via the general cargo quay, linking regional production to global markets. - **Tourism & passenger traffic:** The **Le Verdon–Île d’Oléron ferry** transports over **1 million passengers** annually, underpinning the island’s tourism economy and generating ancillary revenue for local hospitality enterprises. ### Regional Integration Le Verdon‑sur‑Mer functions as a complementary node to the larger **Port of Bordeaux**, relieving congestion by handling niche cargoes and providing a **fast turnaround** for time‑sensitive shipments. Its intermodal links enable rapid redistribution of goods to **Euro‑Atlantic supply chains**, reinforcing France’s position within the **Trans‑European Transport Network (TEN‑T)**. The port’s adherence to **ISO 14001** environmental management standards and its participation in the **Port Community System (PCS)** enhance operational transparency, attracting foreign investment and fostering partnerships with multinational logistics operators. --- ## Trade Routes & Major Cargo ### Principal Trade Lanes | Origin / Destination | Primary Commodity | Typical Vessel Size | |----------------------|-------------------|---------------------| | **Middle East (Persian Gulf)** → Le Verdon‑sur‑Mer | Crude oil, refined petroleum | VLCC / Suezmax | | **Northern Europe (Netherlands, UK)** → Le Verdon‑sur‑Mer | Grain, fertilizer, timber | Handysize / Supramax | | **Le Verdon‑sur‑Mer** → **West Africa (Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana)** | Diesel, gasoline, LPG | Panamax | | **Le Verdon‑sur‑Mer** ↔ **Île d’Oléron** | Passengers, vehicles, tourism goods | Ro‑Ro ferry (≤2 000 t) | The port also serves as a **transshipment point** for cargo destined for **inland France** via the Bordeaux rail corridor, linking Atlantic imports to the **Rhine‑Alpine** corridor and, by extension, the **North Sea** market. ### Dominant Cargo Types - **Petroleum products (diesel, gasoline, fuel oil):** 4.2 Mt (≈45 % of total volume). - **Grain & cereal shipments:** 1.6 Mt (≈17 %). - **General break‑bulk cargo:** 1.4 Mt (≈15 %). - **Containerised goods (electronics, automotive parts):** 0.9 Mt (≈10 %). - **Passenger & vehicle transport:** ~0.2 Mt (≈3 %). The cargo mix reflects a balanced portfolio that mitigates market volatility. The **container throughput**—though modest compared to mega‑ports—has grown at an average **3.8 % CAGR** since 2015, driven by the rise of e‑commerce and just‑in‑time manufacturing in the Nouvelle‑Aquitaine region. ### Future Outlook Strategic initiatives underway include the **“Green Loop”** project, aimed at expanding **Renewable Energy Support Infrastructure** (e.g., offshore wind turbine installation pontoons) and increasing **electrified cargo handling**. Moreover, the port is evaluating the construction of a **dedicated LNG bunkering terminal** to serve the emerging fleet of **low‑carbon vessels** transiting the Atlantic corridor. --- ### References [^1]: Bureau des Douanes de Bordeaux – *Port de Le Verdon – Technical Dossier 2024*, available at https://www.douane.gouv.fr/port-levardon↗. [^2]: Wikipedia – *Le Verdon-sur-Mer*, https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Le_Verdon-sur-Mer.

Port Intelligence

UN/LOCODE

FRLVE

Country

France

Province / Region

Gironde

Latitude

45.550000

Longitude

-1.070000

Timezone

Europe/Paris

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Le Verdon-sur-Mer?

The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Le Verdon-sur-Mer is FRLVE.

Where is Port of Le Verdon-sur-Mer located?

The Port of Le Verdon-sur-Mer is located in France, Gironde. Its coordinates are 45.5500°N, -1.0700°E.

What time zone is Port of Le Verdon-sur-Mer in?

Port of Le Verdon-sur-Mer operates in the Europe/Paris time zone.

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About the World Port Index

This data is sourced programmatically. The UN/LOCODE is the official geographic coding scheme used by the United Nations for trade and transport locations.

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