The European Commission has given the green light to two French state aid measures totalling €6.3 million and €3 million, aimed at supporting the shift towards more sustainable transport modes. The financial support is directed towards the development of two multimodal freight terminals in Calais and Sète.
The first project involves the construction of a rail-road terminal near the port of Calais, while the second focuses on the development of a multimodal platform at the port of Sète.
Both projects incorporate horizontal transshipment technology, enabling the handling of non-cranable semi-trailers—something that conventional terminals are not equipped to manage.
These initiatives are part of a broader national strategy aimed at promoting rail freight, including the creation of multiple rail-road terminals capable of transshipping semi-trailers and accommodating higher freight train frequencies.
The recipients of the aid are CargoBeamer Terminal Calais, a company specialising in rail-road systems, and Sète Terminal Société Investissement, part of the SNCF group, which is involved in both passenger and freight rail transport. The aid will take the form of direct grants covering part of the financing gaps in these projects.
In making its decision, the European Commission concluded that the measures are essential for fostering rail freight development and modal shift, providing an incentive effect since, without public support, the investments would not be made.
Additionally, the Commission determined that the aid is proportionate, limited to the minimum necessary, and would have a minimal impact on competition and trade between member states.
Photo: Christian Ferrer, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons