Bandol Port Modernization Project Receives Favorable Review, Set to Begin in October
A public inquiry into the Bandol port modernization project has concluded with a largely positive assessment, paving the way for construction to begin as early as October. The inquiry garnered significant public attention, with nearly 2,800 people accessing the online documentation. However, the limited number of formal observations submitted suggests broad public support for the overall project.
The inquiry commissioner noted that the low volume of feedback reflects both the effectiveness of the information disseminated and the generally favorable sentiment of the local population.
Project Coherence and Key Discussion Points
While the overall project was well-received, certain aspects sparked discussion, most notably the nautical center. Concerns were raised regarding its financing through usage guarantees and the potential visual impact from the island of Bendor. The inquiry report emphasizes that the new facility is part of a comprehensive plan to consolidate marine professionals, strengthen the local economy, and improve the waterfront’s organization. This rationale supports its legitimacy in the environmental authorization request.
The mooring plan also generated debate, with some fearing that larger berths would disadvantage smaller vessels. However, the inquiry highlighted that many existing berths are undersized or ill-suited to weather conditions, leading to vacancies. The redesigned layout, planned for the next fifty years, aims to optimize the port’s capacity. It accommodates the trend towards larger boats while preserving contracts for small boat owners. The financing model, based on the sale of usage guarantees, was deemed compliant with the Transportation Code and a means of boosting tourism without increasing annual user fees.
Strong Environmental and Safety Commitments
Environmental considerations were a central focus of the inquiry. Marine species inventories and sediment analysis identified sensitive areas, including a Posidonia seagrass bed. To minimize construction impacts, a bubble curtain will be deployed to contain pollution and reduce underwater noise. Scientific monitoring of its effectiveness is planned at the request of the regional environmental authority. Dredging will be limited to the minimum necessary to adapt depths to boat requirements, avoiding a large-scale cleanup with potentially greater consequences for the marine environment.
Safety of property and people is also a priority. The inquiry commissioner praised the decision to raise the quays by 1.5 meters NGF (French leveling system) and set the first level of the nautical center at +2 meters NGF to address the risk of marine submersion. This measure is considered essential in the context of rising sea levels and more intense weather events.
Confirmed General Interest
The inquiry commissioner’s conclusions emphasize the necessity of this modernization, citing the aging infrastructure and its inadequacy for modern boating needs. The project combines regulatory compliance, safety improvements, and enhanced port attractiveness while prioritizing environmental protection. The initial favorable opinion was subject to two reservations: a temporary swimming ban during dredging and a revision of the Local Urban Plan (PLU). These conditions have since been lifted, with the municipal council approving the urban planning document revision in late May.
The local nautical commission also issued a unanimous favorable technical opinion in late June after reviewing navigation and maritime signaling conditions. This dual validation reinforces the project’s soundness.
Final Stretch Before Construction
The final step is the prefectural environmental authorization order, which could be published in the coming weeks, allowing work to begin in October. The project will start with the fuel station before progressing in phases. Details of the schedule will be presented by the end of the month, with the ultimate goal of providing Bandol with a modernized, safer, better-organized, and future-oriented port.
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