Ceva Logistics is building a 9.5-hectare vehicle logistics facility at the French port of Dunkirk following an agreement signed with the port on March 15. Work on the facility will begin in October this year.
The logistics provider said it was developing the facility, on the site of the former SRD refinery, to support vehicle imports and exports to and from the port, which is better known for handling containers of fresh produce and grain. Carmakers and logistics providers are currently struggling with a lack of capacity at Europe’s ports and finding alternative sites is a priority (read more in our annual review of the European finished vehicle ports).
The development will include finished vehicle reception and storage areas, as well as loading and unloading areas for trains and trucks. Ceva said the addition of a rail spur at the site will enable faster turnaround times and its own fleet of trucks will be deployed to handle road deliveries and pickups. Ceva possesses a fleet of 3,000 trucks and 3,000 car-carrying rail wagons, helped by its integration of Gefco by parent company CMA CGM in 2022. That integrated business provides vehicle logistics services for a number of Europe’s leading carmakers.
Ceva said it expected to handle around 50,000 vehicles a year at the facility. In a statement the logistics provider said that in the medium term it would expand the footprint at Dunkirk by 10.5 hectares of land, bringing the total surface area of its platform to 20 hectares and its park capacity to 8,700 parking spaces.
Amongst other infrastructure projects is a of 600 sq.m workshop for onsite vehicle operations, including washing, engraving, plate fitting and other detailing and mechanical services. Ceva also plans to install a paint shop and the facility will be equipped with electric vehicle charging stations.
“The launch of the new automotive logistics centre at the port of Dunkirk is a strategic development that will enable us to increase the efficiency and resilience of the supply chains of our customers, exporters and importers,” said Mathieu Friedberg, CEO of Ceva Logistics. ”The new location will enhance the region’s logistics potential, while supporting our customers’ expansion into new markets.”
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