The approval, granted under EU state aid rules, is part of France's broader strategy to promote rail freight and modal shift, aiming to enhance the efficiency and capacity of its transport infrastructure.
The aid packages include €6.3 million for the construction of a rail motorway terminal near the port of Calais and €3 million for the development of a multimodal platform in the port of Sète. Both projects incorporate horizontal transshipment technology, which enables the handling of non-cranable semi-trailers—a capability not available at traditional terminals.
The funding beneficiaries are CargoBeamer Terminal Calais, a company specializing in rail motorway systems, and Sète Terminal Société Investissement, which is linked to the SNCF group, focusing on passenger and freight rail transport. The state aid will be provided in the form of direct grants, covering part of the financial deficits associated with these projects.
The aid is considered proportional, as it is limited to the minimum required to achieve the intended objectives without distorting competition or trade within the EU.
