LE HAVRE ACCESSIBILITE QUARTIERS SUD

The operation concerns the extension of the tramway network of Le Havre to the Quartiers Sud, a wide post-industrial area undergoing a process of urban regeneration. In detail, the project will finance a new tramway section of 3.2 km, 5 new stations and the acquisition of 3 trams. This is part of a wider programme to extend the tramway network of Le Havre, including also a new branch of 10.8 km which is not part of the EIB's operation.

The aim is to improve the quality and attractiveness of public transport services in Le Havre. It should therefore reduce reliance on passenger cars and their modal share of urban mobility, limit their associated environmental impacts and improve the economic, environmental and social performance of the urban public transport network. The expected results of the project are in terms of savings in travel and waiting time for users, improved accessibility to places of study and work through more efficient and affordable public transport and better environmental sustainability, particularly as regards reduced air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions and road accidents.

The Project is in line with the EU's strategy outlined in the European Green Deal and in the Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy. It contributes significantly to the EIB's policy objectives of sustainable cities and regions, climate action and environmental protection and is aligned with the EIB's Climate Bank Roadmap 2021-2025 as amended and the Transport Lending Policy. It will address sector specific market failures and will result in economic, social and environmental benefits. These benefits would not be realised to the same extent without public intervention. The attractive terms offered by EIB in terms of loan duration, availability period and flexibility of drawdowns, and the possibility to apply for a Public Sector Loan Finance grant under the Joint Transition Mechanism in combination with the EIB Loan are not otherwise available in the market and help the Borrower to optimise its financing costs in a context of an ambitious investment programme.

The project falls under annex II of the environmental impact assessment (EIA) Directive 2011/92/EU as amended by Directive 2014/52/EU and it was subject to an EIA procedure. It was declared of public utility on the 4th February 2025. The assessment of the project's environmental aspects will be carried out during appraisal, with reference to the EIA Directive, the Birds and the Habitat Directives and the Water Framework Directives.

The promoter has to ensure that contracts for implementation of the project will be tendered in accordance with the applicable EU procurement legislation, Directives 2014/24/EU, 2014/25/EU as well as Directive 92/13/EEC as interpreted by the Court of Justice of the EU, with publication of tender notices in the EU Official Journal, as and where required.