Fort De France, Martinique
Fort-de-France is Martinique’s capital and chief port, serving as the island’s economic, cultural, and administrative hub.
Port Overview
Fort-de-France, located on the west coast of Martinique, is the island’s principal port and economic hub. The port covers over 30 hectares with 2.7 kilometers of quays and ranks as the sixth largest French port for container traffic. Strategically positioned near major Caribbean shipping routes and just eight kilometers from the international airport, it serves as a key gateway for trade between metropolitan France, the Caribbean, and regional partners. Its annual container throughput is approximately 146,000 TEU, making it comparable to Pointe-à-Pitre in the Lesser Antilles.
Facilities & Infrastructure
Fort-de-France, Martinique’s main port facilities include the Pointe des Grives container terminal, featuring 460 meters of quay with a 14-meter draft, 3 overpanamax gantry cranes, and 14 straddle carriers. The port handles containers, general cargo, and bulk goods. Key cruise terminals are Pointe Simon, located in the city center, and Tourelles, used as an overflow. The port does not currently use AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles).
Container Terminals
Fort-de-France’s main container terminal at Pointe des Grives has 5 berths and covers 16 hectares, with a quay length of 460 meters and a 14-meter draft. Annual container throughput is around 150,000 TEU. The terminal is semi-automated, equipped with 3 overpanamax gantry cranes and 14 straddle carriers. Major operators include Marfret and CMA CGM, with the Grand Port Maritime de la Martinique overseeing port management.
Port Services
- Container handling: Dedicated terminal with overpanamax gantries and rider trolleys for efficient container operations.
- Cargo operations: Facilities for dry, chilled, bulk, liquid, and roll-on/roll-off cargo.
- Ship services: Ship repair basin, bunkering, water supply, and waste disposal.
- Warehousing: On-site storage and logistics areas for various cargo types.
- Customs: On-terminal customs clearance for import/export processing.
Global Connectivity
Fort-de-France, Martinique is a major Caribbean port with regular container and cargo connections to Europe, North America, and other Caribbean islands. Key shipping lines such as CMA CGM, Seatrade, and Marfret link the port to global markets, with frequent departures each week. The port serves as a regional hub for the French Antilles, handling both transshipment and direct trade, and offers ferry connections to nearby destinations like Les Trois-Îlets and Anse Mitan.
Port Statistics
Port of Fort-de-France, Martinique – Key Statistics (2025):
- TEU Throughput: Approximately 120,000 TEU annually.
- World Ranking: Not ranked among the world’s top 100 container ports.
- Number of Berths: 8 active berths (including cruise and cargo).
- Port Area: 2.7 km total area, with 30 hectares of open storage.
- Shipping Lines: Served by major lines including CMA CGM, Express des Îles, MSC Cruises, Carnival, Norwegian, Princess, Celebrity, Costa, and PONANT.
