2023 was a tough year for Lorient, with both deep-sea and coastal fishing declining, although the port’s managers are determined to maintain activity and Lorient’s position as Brittay’s fishing hub.
The post-Brexit scrapping programme resulted in four larger vessels being taken out, and a 30% reduction in offshore landings to 4770 tonnes. Temporary closures hit sole fisheries and led to a short langoustine season, and coastal fisheries contracted by roughly 5% to landings of 3874 tonnes.
On the plus side, there was a strong hake season with 2000 tonnes of fish sold, and positive progress in external sales, up by 76%.
Sem de Lorient Keroman is also facing soaring energy costs, and has responded by installing photovoltaic panels capable of meeting around 15% of the port’s electricity needs which have already been reduced from 6.40 to 5 .90gWh. This follows the completion of extensive investments in infrastructure, ice production and also in the repair area with an 800-tonne shiplift, as well as reclamation of waste ground.
‘These segments have shown they are dynamic and make it possible to balance the fishing sector, which must now a breathing space,’ said Lorient port president Olivier Le Nézet.
