France has allocated EUR 258.5 million to five port infrastructure projects to support the construction of floating wind farms, targeting nearly 6 GW by 2040.
The funding is part of the France 2030 program and is managed by ADEME. It was announced on July 30, following a 2024 call for projects. Marseille-Fos will receive EUR 82.3 million, Nantes-Saint-Nazaire nearly EUR 60 million, Brest EUR 58 million, Port-la-Nouvelle EUR 48 million, and Cherbourg EUR 10.5 million.
The initiative aims to bolster infrastructure for manufacturing and assembling floating foundations and wind turbine integration. Investments will focus on constructing or modifying quays, storage areas, and access infrastructure to support floating wind projects.
The largest allocation, EUR 82.3 million, is for Marseille-Fos’ DEOS project. This funding supports infrastructure for constructing, launching, and storing floating foundations over 30 hectares, with 400 meters of quay dredged to 17 meters and a 31-hectare floating storage area.
The DEOS project’s total investment is estimated at EUR 303 million, with construction anticipated to start in early 2028 and phased deliveries completing by mid-2030.
Nantes-Saint-Nazaire Port will receive nearly EUR 60 million for its Éole project, featuring a 530-meter quay for assembling wind turbines on floating platforms, accommodating projects with 500 to 600 MW capacity annually.
The project represents an investment exceeding EUR 200 million.
In Brest, the InFloW project will receive over EUR 58 million to adapt port infrastructure for floating wind.
The project involves reinforcing quays, developing logistics areas, and expanding capacity for industrial activities. BrestPort plans to centralize floating wind development stages at its marine renewable energy terminal.
Port-la-Nouvelle is allocated EUR 48 million for its NOUVEOL project, aiming to create an industrial platform for assembly and maintenance of future floating wind farms in the French Mediterranean by 2030.
Cherbourg will receive EUR 10.5 million to extend the existing Quai des Flamands with a new heavy-duty quay, Flamands 0, allowing simultaneous project operations.
The EUR 30 million project includes moving a part of the harbour breakwater and enhancing the North Quay. The funding comprises the EUR 10.5 million government award, EUR 18.1 million from marine renewable energy activity at Cherbourg, and EUR 1.4 million from the Cotentin urban community.
Original Story at www.offshorewind.biz