History of the Port of Cherbourg

The commercial and fishing ports of Cherbourg-en-Cotentin have a rich and strategic history, deeply linked to their exceptional geographical location on the north-west coast of France, facing England.

The Commercial Port

In 2025, the Commercial Port of Cherbourg enters a new strategic phase with the construction of a rail-road terminal initiated by Brittany Ferries, with the support of Ports de Normandie, Cherbourg Port, and SNCF Réseau.

Inaugurated in July 2025, the rail freight line enables daily connections between Spain, Great Britain, and Ireland via Cherbourg.

From 1945 to today|Modernization and diversification

The port specializes in various sectors:

Import/export of goods (timber, hydrocarbons, metallurgical products, etc.)
Cross-Channel ferry services: connections with Ireland and the United Kingdom
Cruise activity: reception of passenger cruise ships
Marine renewable energies (MRE): installation of factories linked to offshore wind power, such as LM Wind Power (wind turbine blades)

Development of the commercial port|19th – early 20th century

Maritime trade developed from the 19th century, notably with the arrival of the railway in 1858, linking Cherbourg to Paris
Cherbourg became a stopover port for transatlantic liners. The Titanic called there in 1912
The commercial port was modernized with basins, quays, and handling facilities
During the two World Wars, the port was heavily militarized

In 1944, it became a major strategic objective during the Normandy Landings. Its capture by Allied forces enabled crucial supply operations.
The port was heavily damaged but quickly repaired by dockworkers and Arsenal personnel to support the war effort.

In the 18th century, Louis XVI decided to make Cherbourg a major military port to counter British naval power.

From 1783 to 1853, extensive works were undertaken to build an artificial harbor protected by a breakwater more than 3 km long.
This harbor became one of the largest in the world.

Origins and historical context

The Cherbourg bay has been used since Antiquity for natural anchorage.
The port gained strategic importance during the Hundred Years’ War, particularly as a crossing point between Normandy and England.

The Fishing Port

The Fishing Port is located within the commercial basin, at the end of which lies the Fish Market. A central element of the fishing port, it serves as the hub for seafood landings from the North Cotentin, from Barneville-Carteret to Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue.
The fishing port of Cherbourg is equipped with a landing quay and a computerized auction hall.
The port is involved in initiatives to enhance seafood products and ensure traceability.

Studies are currently underway for the construction and resizing of the Cherbourg fish market.

Development of industrial fishing (20th century)

The fishing port modernized with the introduction of motorized trawlers.

Creation of specialized infrastructure: auction hall, cold storage, repair workshops, warehouses
Offshore fishing, particularly towards the Celtic Sea and the Atlantic
The post-war period (after 1945) marked a major revival, with investments in fleets and infrastructure
May 24, 1958: inauguration of the swing bridge by the mayor of Cherbourg
The voice auction system was discontinued on October 7, 1993
Remote sales were introduced in 1994
The auction hall became the Fish Market in 1998

18th – 19th century: The golden age of the port

From 1783, under Louis XVI, major works were launched to build an artificial harbor with monumental breakwaters
Cherbourg became a major military port, which also indirectly benefited the fishing sector
In the 19th century, with the arrival of the railway, fish caught in Cherbourg could be quickly transported to Paris and other cities, greatly boosting activity
Construction of basins and modern quays
The commercial basin was completed in 1835. The water level is maintained by a lock topped with a swing bridge
The Cherbourg auction hall was established in 1961
An earlier, smaller auction hall, located at the entrance of the outer harbor, known as the Épi auction hall, had been created in 1952 under municipal management

Modern period (17th – 18th century)

Under Louis XIV, Cherbourg began to gain strategic importance
Projects for fortifications and port developments were considered, notably by Vauban, though not all were carried out
Fishing developed, mainly focused on herring, cod, and shellfish

Origins and Middle Ages

Cherbourg, as early as the medieval period, was an important natural port on the northern coast of the Cotentin
It served as a refuge for ships and a departure point for coastal fishing, particularly in the English Channel
Fishing was mainly artisanal, with modest vessels (boats, dories)