“Becoming a reference in France and internationally”: ambitious wishes for the president of the port of Sète Philippe Malagola

Le président Philippe Malagola, entouré des élus et des membres de la direction du port de Sète. – DR

President Philippe Malagola took stock of the year, looking forward optimistically to 2024.

Philippe Malagola, the president of Porte de Sète-Frontignan, placed his wishes for 2024 under the sign of the movement, Thursday evening, Quai du Maroc. "A movement which combines economic development and sustainable growth, respect for the environment and quality of services, innovation and social dialogue”, insisted the president, adding that port investments in 2023 (570 M" euro;) had never experienced such a volume since the creation in 2008 of the regional public establishment.

A turnover up 15%

There are many reasons for satisfaction in 2023. The port's overall turnover is up +15% compared to 2022. It thus achieves a new activity record, the 9th in succession (exception of 2020 with -9%). "A milestone was reached in 2022 with the exceeding of 5 Mt of goods handled, the commercial port reached 5.6 Mt in 2023 and should exceed 6 Mt in 2024/2025", Philippe projects Malagola, which readily speaks of a port "oriented towards the international".

The president cites as proof the strengthening of stopovers with Turkey and Morocco, and the new destinations towards Algeria, Reunion and Portugal. In 2023, the port will also have accelerated its work in favor of the energy transition, such as with the importation of onshore wind turbines (403 wind packages handled), the electrification of docks and the production of ;solar energy. As such, phase 2 of studies for the installation of 1.6 ha of shade shelters was launched. An investment of 2.1 M€ is planned between 2024 and 2025.

"Making the port of Sète – Frontignan, a leading Mediterranean port in France and internationally

If, on the fishing side, the trawlers faced a major crisis, half of the Sète fleet having been deconstructed, passenger transport saw its curve progress. 220,000 people passed by ferry (+30%) and 30,000 cruise passengers made a stopover. A final figure down slightly, "as part of a policy of “reasoned cruise”", insists Olivier Carmès, the general director. For boating, after five years of work, the new Saint-Louis nautical center (2 M€) was inaugurated, "allowing a quality welcome for our historic associations, including the SNSM", specifies Philippe Malagola.

"Innovation is at the heart of our activities, continues the latter, with for the first time the organization of the “Port of the Future” in Sète." With several prestigious awards at stake. "We are continuing our roadmap: making the port of Sète – Frontignan is a Mediterranean port of reference in France and internationally, concludes the president with optimism.
 

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