Ever since the gantry crane accident in 2025 at the Grand Port Maritime de la Martinique, one question keeps coming up every day, both within companies and among the port’s partners: What’s the latest? At the 2026 New Year’s reception, Bruno Mencé, Chairman of the Executive Board, sought to address this concern directly, describing it as a worry shared “by all of Martinique.” Without going into all the technical details, he outlined the current situation: the immediate mobilization of teams and support from President Jock, the rapid resumption of operations, and now a phase of judicial investigation aimed at clearly establishing liability and ensuring a secure path forward.
A “serious” accident that left its mark on the port… and the region
In his remarks, Bruno Mencé did not downplay the event. He described it as’serious accident, which has affected “the very heart” of the port, its teams, and, beyond that, the entire region. He emphasizes one fact: Not a day goes by without him being questioned on the progress of the case, with the same questions: How are you going to manage? Are you going to be okay?
For the chairman of the executive board, this concern proves one thing: the port is not something detached from everyday life. When a major incident occurs at such a strategic facility, Martinique’s entire economic and logistics chain holds its breath.
A quick recovery: “Three days later, operations were back up and running.”
The first fact mentioned during the New Year’s address: despite the shock, the port did not shut down.
Bruno Mencé pointed out that Three days after the accident, operations had resumed, thanks to the efforts of the port staff and the commitment of our partners. He specifically mentioned the cargo handlers and dockworkers, who were also deeply affected because they witnessed the accident.
In his remarks, he emphasized the human aspect: beyond the infrastructure, it was the men and women who had to step up, take charge, and keep the port running during an extremely difficult period.
A judicial review process has now begun
Second major point: The case has entered a formal phase of clarifying responsibilities.
Bruno Mencé stated that the port has initiated legal proceedings by summarized, in order to obtain the appointment of a court-appointed expert. This expert has been appointed and is already on the job.
He emphasized that, even though the justice system is often perceived as slow, the appointed expert is making “very rapid” progress with his teams, which, in his view, is an important sign for the future.
“Nearly round-the-clock” legal efforts to defend the port's interests
Continuing on this note, the chairman of the executive board explained that the port isn't just sitting back and waiting—it's taking action.
In particular, he praised the efforts of the Legal Department, who is closely monitoring the situation, with a level of intensity he describes as “nearly 24 hours a day.” The stakes are clear: the accident is of an exceptional magnitude, and the port must to defend one's interests “step by step”, ensuring that all future steps are handled safely.
Why This Issue Is So Crucial to the Port's Future
Beyond the event itself, Bruno Mencé directly linked the situation with the gantry crane to a strategic issue: the port’s ability to stay on course in the coming months, particularly with regard to the development of the hub and changes in maritime traffic.
He stated:
“The accident will not halt the port’s transformation; on the contrary, it strengthens our determination to carry out the key projects already announced in the strategic plan.”
Specifically, he acknowledged that the accident is affecting certain operational capabilities: the port does not yet have all of its usual flexibility, which requires proceeding methodically, planning carefully, and adjusting the ramp-up schedule.
A “gradual” path: 2026 and 2027 as years of ramp-up
Finally, Bruno Mencé provided an important indication regarding the outlook: the return to fully optimized operations and the ramp-up of the new systems will take place gradually, with a projected path on 2026 and 2027.
He emphasized two essential conditions:
- one close consultation with customers from the port,
- and the production of development work at the terminal, which are necessary to ensure that ships are received “safely.”.
Key Takeaways at This Stage
At present, the situation can be summarized in four specific points:
- Business resumed quickly after the accident, despite a major setback.
- A forensic investigation is currently underway, to clearly determine who is responsible.
- The port is highly mobilized, including from a legal standpoint, given the scale of the disaster.
- The next steps will be taken in phases, with adjustments to the organization and operations, as part of a phased ramp-up spanning 2026–2027.
This issue therefore remains a key priority, not only because it concerns security, logistical continuity, and trust, but also because it will shape part of the Grand Port’s strategic direction in the coming months.
Philippe PIED
