Water Transport Support Services in France - Market Size, Industry Analysis, Trends and Forecasts (2025-2029)

Water Transport Support Services in France industry analysis

The Water Transport Support Services industry plays a crucial role in facilitating the movement of passengers and goods through French ports and inland waterways. Water transport operators provide a range of services, including terminal operations, berthing, navigation aids and pilotage services for sea, coastal and inland waterway transport. The industry’s performance is tied to the volume of passengers and freight handled at French ports, which has faced significant external pressure in recent years.
Revenue is forecast to expand at a compound annual rate of 4.5% over the five years through 2025, reaching €2.2 billion. The pandemic-induced disruption caused a slump in waterborne passenger and freight volumes in 2020, substantially reducing the workload of port facilities. The resumption of operations at French ports spurred renewed growth over the two years through 2022; however, ongoing disruption to global supply chains maintained maritime freight volumes below pre-pandemic levels. The situation worsened in 2023, as the Red Sea Crisis spurred a slump in the volume of goods handled at French ports. Passenger and freight volumes are set to recover over the two years through 2025, though challenges, notably ongoing geopolitical tensions and industrial action pursued by French port workers, remain. Revenue is set to inch up by 0.4% in 2025.
Revenue is slated to climb at a compound annual rate of 1.5% over the five years through 2030 to reach €2.4 billion. Growth in freight volumes is set to gather pace in the medium term as global supply chains are set to stabilise. Beyond this, decarbonisation initiatives and infrastructure investments present ideal conditions for this growth to be sustained. Increased adoption of alternatively fuelled vessels among downstream shipping companies will necessitate adaptations to industry operations and present new avenues for growth.

Trends and Insights

• COVID-19 greatly impacted the water transport industry. The pandemic led to a decrease in global trade volumes, affecting navigation and harbour operations, while the stricter restrictions also caused a drop in tourism numbers, reducing passenger vessel demand significantly.
• Growth in global trade is driving demand for eco-friendly shipping. As international commerce bounces back post-pandemic, companies are using water transport services to move goods efficiently and sustainably, boosting demand for water transport support services.
• The Water Transport Support Services industry is fragmented. Successful operators gain a competitive edge through strategic locations, technological advancements, and providing comprehensive services, with efficiency and reliability also driving success.