ABSTRACT
The term “Seine Axis” refers to the logistics corridor organized around the Seine River, linking its maritime entrance, symbolized by the port of Le Havre, to the Paris metropolis. This goods circulation area holds much promise for future logistics and economic development in the French territory. However, the land service of the Île-de-France region, the fourth-largest economy in the world by nominal GDP, faces stiff competition from other ports in the Northern Range. In fact, a significant part of the flows entering into and going from the Île-de-France region transits through foreign ports, particularly the port of Antwerp. In this chapter, the logistics structure of the Seine Axis will be analysed. The reasons behind the competition in organizing this major hinterland, as well as the rivalries associated with containerized maritime services, will also be examined.
