On 12 July 2013, Odfjell signed the Site Reservation Protocol and construction is planned to start in 2015 and the terminal is planned to be operational by the end of 2017.

– Our plan is to construct a modern, state of the art liquid bulk facility that will cater to the local cluster, giving flexible and efficient solutions for truck and rail loading and unloading, ample waterfront for barges and sea going vessels. 

The location of the terminal is ideal to serve the local cluster and provides a good interface for the French petrochemical industry along River Seine and French hinterland. Le Havre can serve as an export hub for European Group 1 base oils and as a French import hub for Group 2 and Group 3 base oils in future, says Carl Fredrik Odfjell, VP Business Development & Project Management at Odfjell Terminals.

The total capacity of the terminal may reach about 450,000 cbm, or more when fully built. Four phases are planned, with storage capacity in the first phase consisting of a minimum of 150,000 cbm and tank size capacities of 1,250, 2,500, 3,300 and 5,000 cbm.

The plot covers a total of 31.5 hectares and the terminal will offer deep sea facilities. Three berth positions are planned in Phase 1, making the terminal easily accessible for sea-going tankers, coasters, and barges.

The Odfjell Le Havre terminal will serve rail tank cars and road tank trucks. The terminal will also provide a transhipment and intermodal platform. Yann Bigot has been appointed project leader and will take this project to the next stage gate.