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Sea & Coastal Passenger Water Transport in France Industry Data and Analysis
France's Sea and Coastal Passenger Water Transport industry has experienced substantial evolution in recent years, shaped by historical influences and the need for innovation. Traditionally overshadowed by larger European markets like Germany and the UK, French operators have steadily carved out a niche focused on shorter, culturally immersive voyages within the Mediterranean. The post-pandemic recovery marked a pivotal transformation, as companies adapted to meet shifting consumer preferences and market dynamics. This resurgence underscores France's emerging importance within European maritime tourism, highlighting its potential to become a significant player. The industry's resilience and flexibility in navigating economic fluctuations have laid a strong foundation for future growth and expansion. Over the five years through 2025, industry revenue is expected to grow at a compound annual rate of 10.9% to €2.6 billion.In 2025, the industry is expected to grow by 2.6%. Today, French sea passenger transport companies are responding proactively to consumer demands. Using data analytics, companies like Brittany Ferries and Corsica Ferries are enhancing their services with improved amenities and eco-friendly options to meet modern expectations. There is a strong emphasis on culturally rich experiences, particularly in the Mediterranean, while firms like Compagnie du Ponant craft bespoke luxury itineraries for discerning travellers. This strategic focus on personalisation and sustainability keeps French companies competitive in the vibrant and recovering European cruise market, ensuring they remain attuned to the evolving desires of their customers.Over the five years through 2030, industry revenue is expected to increase at a compound annual rate of 1.7% to €2.8 billion. The French Sea and Coastal Passenger Water Transport industry is poised for transformation, guided by sustainability and digital engagement. As environmental regulations intensify, the shift towards greener technologies, like hybrid vessels, is becoming crucial to reducing ecological impacts and aligning with consumer demand for sustainable travel. Large ships face increasing scrutiny, likely leading to a preference for smaller, more flexible vessels with reduced environmental footprints. Embracing digital platforms, especially social media, is vital for engaging younger, tech-savvy travellers. Strengthening partnerships with travel agencies can further expand market reach. By adopting technological innovations and creative marketing, France is set to lead with eco-friendly maritime tourism solutions, paving the way for future success.
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What's included in this industry analysis
IBISWorld's research coverage on the Sea & Coastal Passenger Water Transport industry in France includes market sizing, forecasting, data and analysis from 2015-2030. The most recent publication was released February 2025.
About this industry
What's this industry report about?
The Sea & Coastal Passenger Water Transport industry in France operates under the industry code FR-H5011. The industry includes the transport of passengers on vessels designed for operating on sea or coastal waters. This includes excursion, cruise or sightseeing boats; ferries and water taxis; and pleasure boats that are rented out with crew for sea or coastal transport. Related terms covered in the Sea & Coastal Passenger Water Transport industry in France include cruise ship, ferry service, hybrid vessels, liquefied natural gas (lng) and water taxi.
What's included in this industry?
Products and services covered in Sea & Coastal Passenger Water Transport industry in France include Ferry services and Cruise services .
What companies are included in this industry?
Companies covered in the Sea & Coastal Passenger Water Transport industry in France include BAI Bretagne Angleterre Irlande SA, Corsica Linea SAS and Compagnie du Ponant SAS.
Performance
What's included in the Performance chapter?
The Performance chapter covers detailed analysis, datasets, detailed current performance, sources of volatility and an outlook with forecasts for the Sea & Coastal Passenger Water Transport industry in France.
Questions answered in this chapter include what's driving current industry performance, what influences industry volatility, how do successful businesses overcome volatility, what's driving the industry outlook. This analysis is supported with data and statistics on industry revenues, costs, profits, businesses and employees.
Products & Markets
What's included in the Products and Markets chapter?
The Products and Markets chapter covers detailed products and service segmentation and analysis of major markets for the for the Sea & Coastal Passenger Water Transport industry in France.
Questions answered in this chapter include how are the industry's products and services performing, what are innovations in industry products and services, what products or services do successful businesses offer and what's influencing demand from the industry's markets. This includes data and statistics on industry revenues by product and service segmentation and major markets.
Geographic Breakdown
What's included in the Geographic Breakdown chapter?
The Geographic Breakdown chapter covers detailed analysis and datasets on regional performance of the Sea & Coastal Passenger Water Transport industry in France.
Questions answered in this chapter include where are industry businesses located and how do businesses use location to their advantage. This includes data and statistics on industry revenues by location.
Competitive Forces
What's included in the Competitive Forces chapter?
The Competitive Forces chapter covers the concentration, barriers to entry and supplier and buyer profiles in the Sea & Coastal Passenger Water Transport industry in France. This includes data and statistics on industry market share concentration, barriers to entry, substitute products and buyer & supplier power.
Questions answered in this chapter include what impacts the industry's market share concentration, how do successful businesses handle concentration, what challenges do potential industry entrants face, how can potential entrants overcome barriers to entry, what are substitutes for industry services, how do successful businesses compete with substitutes and what power do buyers and suppliers have over the industry and how do successful businesses manage buyer & supplier power.
Companies
What's included in the Companies chapter?
The Companies chapter covers Key Takeaways, Market Share and Companies in the Sea & Coastal Passenger Water Transport industry in France. This includes data and analysis on companies operating in the industry that hold a market share greater than 5%.
Questions answered in this chapter include what companies have a meaningful market share and how each company is performing.
External Environment
What's included in the External Environment chapter?
The External Environment chapter covers Key Takeaways, External Drivers, Regulation & Policy and Assistance in the Sea & Coastal Passenger Water Transport industry in France. This includes data and statistics on factors impacting industry revenue such as economic indicators, regulation, policy and assistance programs.
Questions answered in this chapter include what demographic and macroeconomic factors impact the industry, what regulations impact the industry, what assistance is available to this industry.
Financial Benchmarks
What's included in the Financial Benchmarks chapter?
The Financial Benchmarks chapter covers Key Takeaways, Cost Structure, Financial Ratios, Valuation Multiples and Key Ratios in the Sea & Coastal Passenger Water Transport industry in France. This includes financial data and statistics on industry performance including key cost inputs, profitability, key financial ratios and enterprise value multiples.
Questions answered in this chapter include what trends impact industry costs and how financial ratios have changed overtime.
Industry Data
What's included in the Industry Data chapter?
The Industry Data chapter includes 10 years of historical data with 5 years of forecast data covering statistics like revenue, industry value add, establishments, enterprises, employment and wages in the Sea & Coastal Passenger Water Transport industry in France.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the market size of the Sea & Coastal Passenger Water Transport industry in France in 2026?
The market size of the Sea & Coastal Passenger Water Transport industry in France is €2.6bn in 2026.
How many businesses are there in the Sea & Coastal Passenger Water Transport industry in France in 2025?
There are 904 businesses in the Sea & Coastal Passenger Water Transport industry in France, which has grown at a CAGR of 2.8 % between 2020 and 2025.
Has the Sea & Coastal Passenger Water Transport industry in France grown or declined over the past 5 years?
The market size of the Sea & Coastal Passenger Water Transport industry in France has been growing at a CAGR of 10.9 % between 2020 and 2025.
What is the forecast growth of the Sea & Coastal Passenger Water Transport industry in France over the next 5 years?
Over the next five years, the Sea & Coastal Passenger Water Transport industry in France is expected to grow.
What are the biggest companies in the Sea & Coastal Passenger Water Transport industry in France?
The biggest companies operating in the Sea & Coastal Passenger Water Transport industry in France are BAI Bretagne Angleterre Irlande SA, Corsica Linea SAS and Compagnie du Ponant SAS
What does the Sea & Coastal Passenger Water Transport industry in France include?
Ferry services and Cruise services are part of the Sea & Coastal Passenger Water Transport industry in France.
Which companies have the highest market share in the Sea & Coastal Passenger Water Transport industry in France?
The company holding the most market share in the Sea & Coastal Passenger Water Transport industry in France is BAI Bretagne Angleterre Irlande SA.
How competitive is the Sea & Coastal Passenger Water Transport industry in France?
The level of competition is moderate and increasing in the Sea & Coastal Passenger Water Transport industry in France.
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