- France will invest nearly US$300 million in five ports to strengthen infrastructure for floating offshore wind projects.
- The funding supports France’s ambition to install 6 GW of floating offshore wind capacity by 2040 and become a European leader in the sector.
France has committed nearly US$300 million to upgrade five major ports and accelerate floating offshore wind development. The funding forms part of the government’s France 2030 investment programme. The programme supports industrial development and the country’s clean energy transition.
The government launched the funding initiative in 2024. It has since reaffirmed its commitment to expanding offshore wind infrastructure.
France aims to install 6 GW of floating offshore wind capacity by 2040. The country also targets 15 GW of total offshore wind capacity by 2035. It plans to increase that figure to 45 GW by 2050.
Meanwhile, France currently operates about 2 GW of offshore wind capacity.
However, the government recently launched a bidding process for about 10 GW of new projects. Officials expect to award the contracts in early 2027. The selected port projects will support the construction, assembly and deployment of floating offshore wind farms.
Authorities will upgrade existing berths and reclaim additional land. They will also create industrial areas for manufacturing and assembling offshore wind components. The government awarded nearly €260 million to the ports of Cherbourg, Brest, Nantes-Saint-Nazaire, Port-la-Nouvelle and Marseille-Fos.
Officials expect the public funding to unlock almost €1 billion in additional investment.
Marseille-Fos secured the largest allocation. The port will receive nearly US$100 million for infrastructure upgrades. The project includes 30 hectares of dedicated industrial land. It also includes dredging a 400-metre berth for offshore wind operations.
Subsequently, construction will begin by 2028. Workers will complete the project between late 2029 and mid-2030.
The government will also invest about US$66 million in Brest. The funding will expand the port’s offshore wind capabilities.
Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot said ports play a strategic role in offshore wind development. He explained that ports provide the space and infrastructure needed to assemble, install and maintain large offshore wind turbines.
Tabarot added that the investment will create jobs, generate economic value and strengthen France’s industrial and energy sovereignty. The government also wants Marseille-Fos to become a leading logistics hub for floating offshore wind projects across the Mediterranean.
Officials believe stronger port infrastructure will strengthen France’s offshore wind supply chain. They also expect the investment to support the expansion of the country’s renewable energy industry and reinforce its leadership in floating offshore wind.