FR Prefix and Three-Character Location Code
A French UN/LOCODE normally begins with the ISO2 prefix FR and is followed by a three-character location identifier. The complete code identifies a recognized trade location.
Seaports in France: Port Codes, Throughput & Regional Guide (2026)
France has 261 ports and terminals indexed in the Ecer Freight database and serves as a major European maritime gateway linking Atlantic, Channel, Mediterranean and global trade routes.
Explore France port codes, indicative throughput data, regional cargo roles and practical routing information for ocean freight planning.
France Port Overview
France combines large-scale commercial ports, regional terminals and specialist facilities. Indexed coverage and international throughput league tables are separate measures: the figures below distinguish Ecer Freight database coverage from public statistical indicators.
261
France ports & terminals indexed in our database
Ecer Freight database · Oct 2026
328.7M
Maritime freight handled, 2024; YoY change reported by the statistical series
Eurostat · 2024
5.5M
Container throughput, 2024; YoY change varies by port and terminal
Eurostat · 2024
—
Commercial berths, 2025; consolidated national count not published in one official series
MOT · 2025 Bulletin
How many seaports does France have?
France has 261 seaports and terminals indexed by Ecer Freight in its October 2026 database snapshot. This is an indexed-coverage figure, not a statutory count of every maritime facility.
Which ports are the main gateways listed here?
The indexed sample places Oslo (NOOSL), Moss (NOMSS), Bergen (NOBGO), Kristiansand (NOKRS) and Bergen (NOBGN) among its leading active records. Port selection should be confirmed against the actual origin, destination and carrier service.
Which regions support France’s maritime freight?
France’s principal maritime freight clusters are generally associated with the Atlantic and Channel gateways, the Mediterranean coast and major river-connected logistics corridors. The indexed records below should be validated before booking.
Top France Ports by Indexed Activity
The following records are drawn from the supplied Ecer Freight sample and are not a substitute for a country-specific container-port league table. Publicly comparable 2025 TEU figures were not confirmed for these records, so rank, throughput and year-on-year fields are shown consistently as unavailable.
Indexed port records and 2025 public throughput availability
| World rank | Port | UN-LOCODE | 2025 throughput (M TEU) | YoY change | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | Oslo | NOOSL | — | — | Nordic / Northern Europe |
| — | Moss | NOMSS | — | — | Nordic / Northern Europe |
| — | Bergen | NOBGO | — | — | Nordic / Western Coast |
| — | Kristiansand | NOKRS | — | — | Nordic / Southern Coast |
| — | Bergen | NOBGN | — | — | Nordic / Western Coast |
| — | Brevik | NOBVK | — | — | Industrial Coast |
| — | Rauma | NORAU | — | — | Nordic / Baltic-facing |
| — | Kristiansund | NOKSU | — | — | Nordic / Western Coast |
France Port Regions and Cargo Roles
Northern and Eastern European Gateway Records
These indexed locations are associated with Northern European feeder, short-sea and regional distribution activity.
Port records in the northern gateway grouping
| Port | UN-LOCODE | City / Province | Main cargo role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oslo | NOOSL | Oslo / — | Containers, ro-ro and general cargo |
| Moss | NOMSS | Moss / — | Short-sea and general cargo |
| Brevik | NOBVK | Brevik / — | Industrial and bulk cargo |
Western Coastal and Atlantic Records
Western coastal facilities typically support regional distribution, project cargo, fisheries and feeder connections, subject to terminal capability.
Port records in the western coastal grouping
| Port | UN-LOCODE | City / Province | Main cargo role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bergen | NOBGO | Bergen / — | Containers, general cargo and maritime supply |
| Bergen | NOBGN | Bergen / — | General cargo and regional shipping |
| Rauma | NORAU | Rauma / — | Forest products and general cargo |
Southern Coastal and Industrial Records
Southern coastal records can serve industrial cargo, short-sea services and connections to wider European logistics networks.
Port records in the southern coastal grouping
| Port | UN-LOCODE | City / Province | Main cargo role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kristiansand | NOKRS | Kristiansand / — | Ro-ro, containers and general cargo |
| Kristiansund | NOKSU | — / — | Offshore, project and general cargo |
France UN/LOCODE Port Codes
City-Level and Terminal-Level Codes
A city-level code may cover several facilities, while a terminal or port-area record can identify a more specific operating location. Carrier booking instructions should match the bill of lading and terminal requirements.
How to Verify a Code
Verify the location against the UNECE UN/LOCODE list and compare it with the current Ecer Freight port directory before issuing shipping instructions.
Shipping from France: Main Trade Lanes
Routing, transit time and available capacity vary by carrier, season, equipment type, transshipment point and final delivery location. The following are planning references rather than firm sailing schedules.
France to East Asia
Deep-sea services generally connect European gateways with major Asian hubs through scheduled liner networks.
France to North America
Transatlantic services support containerized manufactured goods, food products and industrial cargo.
France to Mediterranean and Middle East
Mediterranean services provide access to North Africa, the Levant, the Gulf and onward intermodal distribution.
France to Northern Europe
Short-sea and feeder networks connect France with Benelux, the British Isles, Scandinavia and the Baltic region.
Data Sources and Methodology
Port coverage, public statistics and operational routing information are maintained as separate evidence streams. Time-sensitive figures should be confirmed before a commercial booking.
- Ecer Freight Ports Database — first-party indexed coverage of 261 France port and terminal records in the Oct 2026 snapshot.
- UNECE UN/LOCODE — location-code structure and official location identifiers.
- Eurostat Transport Database — maritime freight and container statistics by country and port where published, with the latest complete comparable series used where available.
- France Ministry for Ecological Transition — national maritime and port policy information and official transport publications.
- INSEE — French official statistical context for trade, transport and economic activity.
France Port FAQ
How many seaports does France have?
France has 261 seaports and terminals indexed by Ecer Freight in the October 2026 database snapshot. The figure represents indexed coverage and not every facility in the national maritime estate.
Which is the largest port in France?
France’s largest gateway depends on whether the comparison uses total cargo, containers, liquid bulk or another measure. Public rankings should be checked against the relevant annual port authority or Eurostat series.
What is a France port code?
A France UN/LOCODE normally uses the FR country prefix followed by three location characters. The code should be checked against UNECE and the carrier’s booking system.
Which regions are important for France sea freight?
France sea freight is generally organized around Channel and northern gateways, Atlantic ports, Mediterranean gateways and inland-connected logistics corridors.
How current are the France port figures?
The indexed coverage was reviewed in October 2026. The latest complete comparable public statistical year is generally 2025 where released; some official port series remain available only for earlier years.
Can Ecer Freight provide a France sea freight quote?
FCL and LCL quotations can be requested with the origin, destination, cargo description, dimensions, weight, equipment and desired shipping date. Carrier space and transit time remain subject to confirmation.
Should the port code or terminal name be confirmed before shipment?
Yes. The port code, terminal, consignee details and delivery location should be checked against the booking confirmation, shipping instructions and current carrier routing before cargo is dispatched.
Editorial note: This France port guide combines Ecer Freight’s first-party indexed port records with public information from UNECE, Eurostat, French government sources and official statistical agencies. Indexed coverage is reviewed with the database snapshot, while public throughput and trade figures are refreshed as authoritative annual releases become available.
Ecer Freight · Seaports in France: Port Codes, Throughput & Regional Guide (2026) · Data reviewed quarterly · Port Codes · Ports by Country · Contact