Our Commercial Ports in Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Aquitania Ports Link brings together the four commercial ports of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region through shared actions and projects. Their complementary strengths make this alliance a valuable engine for the region’s economy and its businesses.

Learn more about Aquitania Ports Link

La Rochelle Commercial Port

Located at the midpoint of France’s Atlantic coast, the Port of La Rochelle stands as a major hub for maritime transport. With modern infrastructure and direct deep-water access, it handles the majority of large vessels quickly and efficiently, 24/7, all year round.

Infrastructure and Capacity

  • Six terminals handle a wide range of cargo, including petroleum products, cereals and bulk agricultural products, construction materials, pulp and forestry products.
  • A logistics hub for large-scale industrial projects, it meets the needs of the heavy-lift cargo sector, thanks in particular to high load-bearing quays.
  • Multimodal connectivity: port terminals are linked to the national rail network and are close to major roads.

A Port Committed to the Ecological Transition

The Port of La Rochelle continually upgrades its infrastructure to accommodate changes in existing traffic and the needs of emerging industries. It plays an active role in the region’s ecological and energy transition through individual and collective projects, developed in collaboration with its port community. With a strong focus on sustainable development and ongoing upgrades, it is a key player in the port sector.

Rochefort and Tonnay-Charente Commercial Ports

The Port of Charente Atlantique, made up of the Rochefort and Tonnay-Charente sites, plays a strategic role on the Charente estuary, offering efficient logistics solutions. Its geographic location enables it to provide local services tailored to the specific needs of Nouvelle-Aquitaine’s industries.

Infrastructure and Capacity

  • Seven berths and two jetties provide flexible docking capacity for loading and unloading various types of freight.  
  • Specialised terminals handle industrial and agricultural bulk products, chemicals, construction materials, and heavy-lift cargo.  
  • Port logistics are expertly managed, with advanced coordination to minimise transit times.

A Constantly Evolving Port Hub

The Port of Charente Atlantique is actively upgrading to support businesses in optimising their supply chains. Its strong regional roots and ability to adapt make it a key hub for maritime trade in Nouvelle-Aquitaine.

Bordeaux Commercial Port

As a gateway to the Aquitaine region, the Atlantic Port of Bordeaux offers direct access to resources in south-western France for international markets. It is actively involved in decarbonisation efforts by investing in innovative logistics models aimed at reducing the use of hydrocarbons.

Infrastructure and Capacity

  • Seven specialised terminals support operations across multiple sites: Le Verdon, Pauillac, Blaye, Ambès, Blanquefort, Bassens, and Bordeaux.
  • Multi-cargo expertise includes liquid bulk (hydrocarbons and chemicals), solid bulk (cereals, construction materials), and heavy-lift cargo. 
  • Modal shift is encouraged through integration with rail, road, and inland waterways to ensure efficient goods distribution.

A Forward-Looking Port

With a focus on upgrading its facilities and sustainability, the Port of Bordeaux invests in innovative infrastructure to boost its competitiveness. Supported by multimodal logistics and a dynamic port ecosystem, it is a powerful driver of maritime trade in Nouvelle-Aquitaine.

Bayonne Commercial Port

A maritime gateway between France and the Iberian Peninsula, the commercial port of Bayonne holds a key position within the Atlantic port network. Its cross-border location in a highly industrialised area makes it an essential hub for European and international trade.

Infrastructure and Capacity

  • Three specialised terminals—Tarnos, Blancpignon, and Saint-Bernard—support the efficient distribution of port operations.  
  • The port handles a wide range of cargo, including solid bulk (cereals, fertilisers, construction materials, ores) and liquid bulk (hydrocarbons, chemicals).  
  • The port is seamlessly integrated into the broader supply chain through multimodal connectivity, with robust road and rail links driving efficient and competitive logistics.

A Key Regional Player  

The Port of Bayonne supports the region’s decarbonisation efforts by assisting local industries. Its adaptability gives it a leading role in the commercial and industrial development of southwestern France.

A Region-Wide Collaboration

With support from the Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region and the Regional Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the ports foster a spirit of collaboration in their operations. Working groups focused on energy transition issues help sustain regional port activities by integrating them fully into the economic landscape. By upgrading their logistics processes, they are increasing the prominence and influence of Atlantic maritime trade at both national and international levels.

Our missions