The Rhenus Group takes over the management of the two French inland ports Vienne Sud and Portes-lès-Valence within a new consortium called "Rhône Modal Shift." The concession was awarded by the French state and the Compagnie Nationale du Rhône (CNR) for a period of 25 years, the logistics service provider announces. The aim is to expand multimodal transport capacities along the Rhône corridor and promote the shift of traffic to water and rail.
Structure of the Consortium
The "Rhône Modal Shift" consortium is led by the Rhenus Group with a 51 percent share. Other members include the Chambers
of Commerce and Industry (CCI) of Nord Isère and Drôme with 20 percent each, as well as the Société Report Modal with 9 percent. The awarding of the concession is part of a strategy to strengthen the Mediterranean-Rhône-Saône corridor (MeRS), which represents an important connection between the Lyon area and the port of Marseille-Fos.
Handling Volumes and Targets
The two ports already function as relevant logistics platforms today. In 2024, 115,000 tons were handled by inland waterway and 127,000 tons by rail in Vienne Sud. Portes-lès-Valence recorded 80,000 tons via waterway and 171,000 tons via rail. By 2032,
the combined freight volume of the sites is expected to double.
Investment Program and Infrastructure Measures
To achieve the set goals, a joint investment plan of 80 million euros is planned, extending over four ports along the Rhône. The program includes infrastructural measures to increase efficiency and improve the connectivity of port locations.
Multimodal Shift and Relief of the Road Network
The improved connection to waterways and the rail network is intended to support the shift of transport from trucks to more environmentally friendly transport modes. According to CNR, up to 120,000 truck journeys could be saved annually
in the Rhône Valley. This is expected to relieve the road infrastructure and enhance the reliability of freight services.
Involvement of Regional Partners
The Chambers of Commerce and Industry contribute their local expertise and existing relationships with businesses and communities to the project. The aim is to better integrate regional economic cycles into international logistics networks and support industrial development along the Rhône corridor.
About Rhenus
The Rhenus Group is an internationally operating logistics service provider with an annual turnover of 8.2 billion euros. The company employs around 41,000 people at 1,330 locations in over 70 countries. (av)
