The announcement of two further box terminals follows recent confirmation that construction of the Fos 2XL container development is to start next month. Fos 2XL, due in service by 2010 at a cost of more than €400m, will increase annual capacity at Fos from 600,000 to 2.1 million teu by creating two terminals in partnership with private operators Port Synergy and MSC.

The proposed additional terminals, designated Fos 3XL and Fos 4XL, would be operated on a similar basis.  Subject to feasibility approval, a global competitive tender process would start in 2008, with the terminals due on stream between seven and ten years later. Although the study stage involves both terminals, development might be phased.  Fos 3XL has been included in the 2007-2013 State-regional development plan whereas Fos 4XL is scheduled for the following period.

Fos 3XL, featuring a quay of 800m and annual capacity of 800,000 teu, would be part of the multi-modal Graveleau container facility alongside Fos 2XL and the existing public terminal. Fos 4XL would be sited opposite the public terminal at the entrance to Dock 2, offering excellent nautical access and natural deep water with no requirement for major dredging works.  With a quay of some1,000 to 1,200m, it would be able to handle 1.2 million teu per year.

The PMA says its latest expansion plan is justified by prospective 7 to 8% a year growth in container traffic, adding that Fos 2XL represents only a ‘catch-up’ operation after 20 years of delayed progress in the sector.