Developing your maritime zones and port areas sustainably

In the context of climate change, French coasts are increasingly exposed to risks such as erosion and coastal flooding. The Consulting teams at SUEZ are innovating in the sustainable development of maritime zones and port areas with a series of missions relating to the goals of the French government’s “port greening” and coastal resilience recovery plan, including reducing pollutant emissions and developing modal shift infrastructure and facilities to promote the energy transition.

We operate in three specific areas of expertise on behalf of our customers. We provide design and project management services for their infrastructure. We carry out early-stage studies, authorisation files, eco-design and site management with a focus on the environment. Finally, we conduct research and provide operational services in the field of oceanography (forecasting coastal flooding, port accessibility etc.).

We deploy a variety of interdisciplinary skills to meet the specific needs of each project (urban planning, energy transition etc.). These skills arise from our research and development activities and our strong local roots close to the location of each project. With 21 sites and locations along the coasts of mainland France and its overseas territories, together with two centres of expertise – a maritime infrastructure centre in Montpellier and a river infrastructure centre in Nanterre – our experts have a detailed knowledge of the challenges you face. Actimar, a SUEZ Consulting subsidiary specialising in oceanography, provides additional expertise, particularly in the design of structures and the management of their environmental impact.

We innovate every day in the sustainable development of maritime zones and port areas with an approach structured around four pillars:

• Developing greater resilience to climate change and coastal risks by adapting and protecting the coast and developing new approaches inspired by nature;
• Preserving and restoring biodiversity through eco-design and by incorporating biodiversity aspects into projects at an early stage to reduce their environmental footprint;
• Designing efficient, optimised, high-performance infrastructure with full regard for the circular economy and sustainable low-carbon construction;
• Contributing to the attractiveness of coastal towns by re-establishing the links between urban and port areas and upgrading sea fronts.

Another example is the work to extend the port of Port-la-Nouvelle on behalf of the Occitanie region. Beginning in 2018, the mission includes site supervision and monitoring natural habitats to ensure the environmental priorities are respected.