Saint Denis, Reunion

Port Overview

Saint Denis, located at the northern tip of Réunion Island in the Indian Ocean, is the island’s capital and former main port. While the city itself is the administrative center, the island’s principal maritime gateway is now Port Réunion, situated nearby. Port Réunion ranks as the second largest port in Europe’s Outermost Regions and the fourth largest French container port. Its strategic position on the Asia-Africa shipping route makes it a vital regional hub, handling approximately 375,000 TEU annually and supporting international trade and economic development for Réunion.

Facilities & Infrastructure

Saint Denis, Réunion’s main port facilities are located at Le Port (Pointe des Galets), about 22 km southwest of the city. The port features a modern passenger terminal, general cargo and container terminals, and basic cargo handling infrastructure. Equipment includes fixed and mobile cranes for loading and unloading, but there are no automated guided vehicles (AGVs). The port handles large vessels and offers essential services such as fuel, water, and provisions.

Container Terminals

Saint Denis, Reunion’s main container terminal at Port Est has three berths, each 255 meters long with a 12-meter depth. The terminal’s storage capacity is 6,000 TEU, supported by three gantry cranes and 144 reefer plugs. Automation is moderate, with computerized tracking and EDI systems, but operations remain largely manual. Major operators include private stevedoring companies such as SAMR, SGM, and SOMACOM.

Port Services

• Container handling: Facilities for loading and unloading containers from cargo vessels.
• Cargo operations: General cargo handling, including bulk and breakbulk cargo.
• Ship services: Provision of water, fuel, electricity, and basic repairs; longshoremen and navigation assistance available.
• Warehousing: Storage facilities for various cargo types, including container and general cargo storage.
• Customs: On-site customs clearance and inspection services for import and export cargo.

Global Connectivity

Saint Denis, Réunion, is served by the main commercial port at Pointe des Galets (Le Port), which connects the island to regional ports in Mauritius, Madagascar, South Africa, and mainland France. The port handles container, general cargo, and cruise traffic, supporting trade with the Indian Ocean region and Europe. Major shipping routes link Réunion to key markets in Africa, Asia, and Europe, making it a strategic hub for regional and international maritime trade.

Port Statistics

Port Réunion (serving Saint Denis) handles approximately 250,000 TEU annually. It is not ranked among the world’s top container ports. The port has around 7 berths and covers an area of about 70 hectares. Major global shipping lines such as CMA CGM, Maersk, and MSC call at the port, providing connections to Africa, Europe, and Asia.