Located in France’s largest commercial port Marseille, the new ferry terminal for Veolia’s IF FRIOUL EXPRESS (IFE) is nothing short of impressive. Designed and built to provide the best in modern security, the new ferry docks afford protected moorage and easy access for passengers. “Bellingham Marine’s design and construction of the new ferry docks at Old Port exceeded our expectations both in terms what it provides our customers and in terms of the amenities it provides our ferry operators,” said Fanny Butruille, Marketing and Operating Manager for IFE.
The goal of the IF FRIOUL EXPRESS replacement project was to provide ferry passengers with a safe, stable and durable floating platform from which to purchase tickets, wait for incoming ferries and board and depart vessels. Special attention was paid during the design process to ensure the docks promoted universal access. 900 mm freeboard, 4 meter wide walkways, handrails, single and double flow gangways, and quality lighting were incorporated into the design to allow passengers to move along the docks and onto the ferries with ease. Close attention was also paid to ensure the new docks were able to resist winds up to 182 km /h and were able to sustain heavy commercial use.
Sewage pumps for dark water as well as electrical and water pedestals were included to provide ferry operators with amenities needed to perform daily maintenance and to keep the ferries in working order. The new docks accommodate up to four 200-passenger ferry boats – each 25 meters long. “Facility design and construction activities were carefully scrutinized to ensure compliance with the requirements of the Bureau Veritas and to ensure the surrounding environment was respected and left with little to no impact,” said David Veyrat-Durebex, Director of Development for Bellingham Marine Europe.
Old Port is in the heart of Marseille – a bustling historical town, dating back to 600 AD, with numerous historical structures and tough building restrictions related to public operations. “This was a unique project with a unique set of parameters. There was an “old quay” curved wall along the site’s shoreline and fishing activity in the area that required pile driving to be phased,” said Veyrat-Durebex.
The IF FRIOUL EXPRESS provides year round service between IF, Frioul and Marseille Old Port for tourist and local residence.
As the world’s leading marina design/build construction company, Bellingham Marine produces Unifloat saltwater systems, Unideck freshwater systems and Unistack dry storage systems for marinas worldwide.
Public Relations Contact: Bellingham Marine, P.O. Box 8, Bellingham, WA 98227; www.bellingham-marine.com.
Regional Contact: Bellingham Marine Europe Ltd, Calle Josep Pla 45, Local 1, 08019, Barcelona, España Tel: 93 356 1229 Fax: 93 356 1355
Unifloat, Unideck and Unistack are registered trademarks of Bellingham Marine.
