Adopted by its Supervisory Board in October 2024, the 2024–2028 strategic plan of the Grand Port Maritime de la Guadeloupe (GPMG) sets the organization on a path of profound transformation.
Logistics modernization, climate adaptation, energy transition, land-use optimization: this five-year plan is part of a strategy for adaptation at both the local and global levels.
Currently open for public comment through July 1, 2025, it serves as a key roadmap for Guadeloupe’s maritime economy and land-use planning.
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A policy document to transform the port's role
The 2024–2028 Strategic Plan constitutes the third generation roadmap developed by the Grand Port Maritime de la Guadeloupe. In accordance with the’Article R.5312 of the Transportation Code, this document includes 5 required sections: strategic positioning, economics and finance, tool utilization, sustainable development, and intermodality. This is therefore not merely a statement of intent, but a operational management tool, aligned with regulatory requirements and regional goals.
This plan is part of the National Port Strategy 2021–2050, which sets out four priorities: improving logistics performance, supporting local communities, accelerating the ecological transition, and strengthening innovation. In this context, the GPMG intends to adapt its missions to the realities of the overseas territories by taking into account Guadeloupe’s specific characteristics regarding its insularity, climate vulnerability, and land-use constraints.
4 structural ambitions The following principles guide this project:
- Increase the port's economic competitiveness; ;
- Support territorial cooperation and mobility; ;
- Initiate ecological, energy, and societal transitions; ;
- Improve the quality of infrastructure and the reliability of operations.
Each goal is broken down into concrete actions, each with measurable targets for 2028, along with performance indicators and a system for monitoring progress every six months.
Infrastructure: Focus on Modernization and Logistical Efficiency
At the heart of the strategic plan, the modernization of port infrastructure addresses two key requirements: keeping pace with changes in maritime traffic and ensuring the resilience of the facilities in the face of climate instability.
The Jarry Baie-Mahault site, the main industrial and port hub, is the focus of a major investment program. The goal is to’to accommodate larger ships (up to 7,900 TEU), requiring reinforced docks, expanded berths, and modernized cargo-handling systems.
These improvements will make it possible to accommodate the anticipated growth in container traffic, projected at +9 % between 2024 and 2028 and +30 % by 2034, according to the port's forecast.
The rehabilitation of existing docks, particularly for liquid and solid bulk cargo, is also a priority. These areas are currently nearing capacity, which limits logistical flexibility. Maintenance dredging, equipment refurbishment, improvements to maritime access, and the redevelopment of storage areas round out this strategy.
The port thus aims to assert its position in the Caribbean region, not only for the domestic traffic, but also by aiming for a resumption of transshipment, which is now on the decline: from 30 % in 2013, the share of transshipment fell to 18 % in 2023.
An Energy Transition That Has Already Begun
One of the most pivotal shifts in the project hinges on the transformation of energy flows handled by the port. In connection with the Guadeloupe’s Multi-Year Energy Plan (PPE), the GPMG supports the transition to renewable and low-carbon energy sources, with direct implications for logistics planning.
The port is preparing for the’a complete halt to coal imports by 2026, with the conversion of the Albioma power plants at the biomass (wood pellets). This represents an increase of 150 % of the processed volume for pellets, because they have a lower calorific value than coal. At the same time, The EDF plant will switch from fuel oil to rapeseed oil by 2028, creating new needs for the storage and management of liquid bulk.
This transition is accompanied by a strengthened regulatory framework. The European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) now includes maritime transport, requiring shipowners to purchase carbon credits. Ultimately, these requirements will affect GPMG’s customers, who will need to adapt their ships and fuels. In response, the port is preparing services to shore power connection (cold ironing), in anticipation of regulatory requirements AFIR starting in 2030 for major European ports.
An Exposed Region, a Port That Adapts
Guadeloupe's vulnerability to weather-related risks is central to the GPMG’s strategic planning. Rising sea levels, more frequent cyclones, storm surges, and the risk of coastal flooding pose direct threats to port infrastructure.
The port is therefore carrying out its activities as part of a adaptation logic. He participates in the PAPI 2024–2029, with a financial commitment of €95,000, in partnership with local governments, to fund projects aimed at reducing flood risks and preserving floodplains.
In addition, since 2016, the GPMG has been developing the Cayoli Environmental Program, designed to restore the coastal ecosystems on its property. This is a 15-year active management plan covering 40 hectares of natural areas, including mangroves, seagrass beds, and sensitive zones in Bas-du-Fort, Marie-Galante, and Jarry. The port also intends to reduce its GHG emissions «Scope 3» emissions, particularly through services provided to ships and an internal eco-efficiency policy.
This strategy is fully aligned with national guidelines, such as the National Climate Change Adaptation Plan (PNACC) or the Climate and Resilience Act, and meets the expectations of regulatory authorities, including the ministry responsible for overseas territories.
Land Governance and Local Roots
Land is a strategic asset for the port, but also a major constraint. The GPMG has 170 hectares, including 130 dedicated to economic activity. The occupancy rate reached 96 % in marketable areas, which necessitates a optimized management remaining areas. The the Jarry site, covering 70 hectares, is the main hub of activity and a true logistics hub for Guadeloupe.
To address this congestion, the GPMG is undertaking a active land strategy : repurposing underutilized areas, increasing the value of leases, and attracting new high-potential industrial or logistics sectors. The goal is to maximize the property’s added value while adhering to the land-use efficiency requirements mandated by law Net Zero Land Conversion (ZAN).
The port also acts as stakeholder in land-use planning, in collaboration with local governments. It participates in major mobility projects (Bergevin Multimodal Transit Station, TCSP), contributes to urban planning schemes (PLU, PAS, SCoT) and collaborates with the cities of Pointe-à-Pitre, Basse-Terre, and Le Gosier on the City-Port Connection. This approach is reflected in concrete projects to redevelop brownfield sites, create pedestrian zones, and integrate tourist traffic.
Finally, at the regional level, the GPMG is an active member of the Antilles-Guyana Interport Coordination Council (CCIAG). This framework for cooperation with the ports of Martinique and French Guiana makes it possible to harmonize processes, share certain resources, and develop joint projects, particularly in the areas of the environment and the blue economy.
With this strategic project, the Grand Port Maritime de la Guadeloupe is embarking on a structural overhaul: improved logistics performance, reduced carbon footprint, and greater regional resilience. In the face of climate, regulatory, and economic changes, it is positioning itself as a key player in the archipelago’s transformation.
Public consultation open through July 1, 2025
Pursuant to Article L.123-19 of the Environmental Code, all documents related to the strategic project (plan, environmental assessment, opinion of the MRAe, response brief) are made available to the public. This procedure aims to ensure transparency and public participation in a project with significant implications.
The consultation will take place from May 30 to July 1, 2025. Comments may be submitted to the following address: environnement@port-guadeloupe.com, and the The documents are available online here.