Marseille Fos port starts building new headquarters

The Marseille Fos port has begun construction on its future headquarters as part of the Phare project, with the laying of the first stone on Wednesday, October 14. This marks the start of a major redevelopment effort focused on modernizing the port’s infrastructure.

Phare project includes heritage preservation

The project involves the redevelopment of the J0 hall, an iconic part of the port’s history, and is being designed and built by the Eiffage group in partnership with the Corinne Vezzoni & Associates agency and architect Philippe Matonti. The new building is expected to be completed by the second half of 2028, with the entire project set for completion by 2030.

Preparatory work included major site changes

Preparatory work for the Phare project began in February 2026, including rerouting utility lines, demolishing a bridge between buildings J0 and J1, and reorganizing archives. By late summer, the construction site became more visible with the demolition of the old restaurant at the future headquarters site and the removal of the J0 hall’s roof.

Efforts to maintain port operations during construction

To ensure continuous port activity during the works, adjustments were made, including rerouting the royal road and constructing a new cruise pier north of the Terrasses du Port. Foundation work is now underway, allowing for the gradual construction of the new headquarters in the coming months.

Project focuses on modernization and sustainability

The Phare project aims to modernize the headquarters while preserving historical elements and reducing environmental impact. Eiffage group is using several of its subsidiaries, including Eiffage Concessions and Eiffage Construction, to manage different aspects of the project.

Architect emphasizes heritage and new uses

Architect Corinne Vezzoni highlights the importance of rehabilitating the J0 hall, calling it a way to transform the city while preserving its history. The project plans to reuse existing structures and materials with low environmental impact, adapting the building to the Mediterranean climate and giving new life to the port’s industrial heritage.