Le Port de Givet Confirms Strategic Role in Heavy-Lift Logistics on France Belgium Border

30 Second Takeaway

Le Port de Givet has reinforced its position as a critical inland heavy-lift port on the France–Belgium border following the delivery of a 430-tonne component from EDF’s Chooz nuclear power plant. The operation highlights the port’s capability to support heavy-lift logistics for energy infrastructure projects, including nuclear maintenance operations requiring specialised handling and reinforced quay infrastructure.

Inland Ports Supporting Heavy and Nuclear Logistics

Across Europe, inland ports play an increasingly important role in supporting oversized and heavyweight cargo movements linked to energy, industrial and infrastructure projects. For nuclear facilities in particular, maintenance operations often require the transport of extremely heavy components under strict safety and logistical controls.

Ports equipped with reinforced quays, heavy crane access and multimodal connectivity are essential to enabling these operations safely and efficiently. Le Port de Givet has emerged as a strategic node within this ecosystem, supporting cross-border heavy transport along the River Meuse.

EDF Delivers Major Nuclear Component to Givet

Last Tuesday, EDF delivered a major component from the Chooz nuclear power plant to Le Port de Givet as part of ongoing maintenance operations at the facility, located near the France–Belgium border.

The transport involved an exceptional convoy weighing 430 tonnes, which departed the nuclear power plant at 9:00 p.m. The load arrived at the port after a two-and-a-half-hour journey, transported using a remote-controlled SPMT (Self-Propelled Modular Transporter).

The timing and execution of the operation reflect the level of planning required for nuclear-related heavy transport, where route management, load control and coordination between stakehol

Reinforced Quay Enables Safe Heavy-Lift Operations

Le Port de Givet is specifically designed to accommodate heavy and oversized loads, with infrastructure capable of supporting operations involving weights exceeding 500 tonnes. The port’s reinforced quay allows for the positioning and stabilisation of cranes required for assembling the barge-mounted crane used in subsequent lifting operations.

This step is essential to ensuring safe transfer and loading procedures when moving heavy components from land-based transport to river barges. The operation demonstrates the port’s ability to support complex, high-risk logistics involving nuclear and industrial cargo.

Continuity of Heavy Component Transfers

The latest EDF delivery forms part of an ongoing sequence of heavy component exchanges through Le Port de Givet. In February 2023, the port had already received a major component for the Chooz nuclear power plant, which is now in service on Unit 2.

This continuity of operations underscores the port’s reliability and strategic value for recurring maintenance and upgrade programmes within the nuclear energy sector.

About Le Port de Givet

Le Port de Givet is an inland heavy-lift port located on the River Meuse at the France–Belgium border. The port is equipped with reinforced quay infrastructure designed to support loads exceeding 500 tonnes and plays a key role in heavy-lift logistics for energy, industrial and infrastructure projects across the region.

Learn more: https://www.scales-port.com 

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Le Port de Givet suitable for heavy-lift logistics?

Le Port de Givet features reinforced quay infrastructure capable of supporting loads exceeding 500 tonnes, as well as space for crane positioning and complex load-handling operations.

What was transported during the recent EDF operation?

EDF transported a 430-tonne component from the Chooz nuclear power plant to Le Port de Givet as part of scheduled maintenance operations.

How was the heavy load transported to the port?

The component was transported using a remote-controlled SPMT, allowing precise movement of the oversized load during the two-and-a-half-hour journey.

Why are inland ports important for nuclear maintenance projects?

Inland ports provide secure transfer points between land and river transport, reducing road distances and enabling safer handling of extremely heavy and sensitive components.

Has Le Port de Givet supported similar operations before?

Yes. In February 2023, the port handled another major component for the Chooz nuclear power plant, which is now operational on Unit 2.