[070910.EN.SEA] Le Havre Makes Progress In Port Privatisation Scheme

THE Port of Le Havre has received signatures on all sales contracts concerning equipment usage at container terminals, an important step in implementing its port reform package.
Grand Port Maritime du Havre signed the last two sales contracts for container terminals, one with the Societe d'Equipement du Terminal de Normandie (SETN), the third party investing in TNMSC, who has acquired two Reggiane gantries.


The second contract was signed with Compagnie Nouvelle de Manutention Portuaire (CNMP) for the equipment at Terminal de l'Atlantique.


The Port of Le Havre also signed a "method agreement" between the board and the CGT trade union of the Port of Le Havre Authority. This agreement provides guarantees in terms of reliability at the port terminals.


In line with the recent completion of the sale of gantry cranes, the signing of a "method agreement" is said to be a significant step in the local implementation of the French port reform.


By signing the agreement, the board and the CGT trade union of the Port of Le Havre Authority formalised their willingness to continue discussions at the local level, in compliance with the national framework agreement.


From now on, the CGT trade union of the Port of Le Havre Authority has committed itself to guaranteeing port activity continues until negotiations have been completed on the local agreement.


"This social peace agreement involves the end of local work stoppages, which have recently disorganised and disrupted business port activities," a statement from port authorities said.


Source : HKSG, 07.09.10.