4. Port handling, storage and retrieval

4.1 Marine unloading

In France, coal is supplied by vessels from various coal-producing countries. The geographical origins of steam coals currently appear to be fairly stable, mainly Russia, the United States, Colombia, Venezuela and South Africa, and in the case of coking coals, the United States, Australia and Canada.

The deadweight of ships used to transport coal involves vessels of increasing size:

• river-sea coasters from 3 to 15,000 t ;

• Handysize vessels from 20 to 45,000 t ;

• Panamax vessels from 60 to 90,000 t ;

• Cape Size vessels from 90 to 150,000 t.

This calls for versatile,...