Once upon a time there was the Port …
Since the ancient Mantinum which succeeded to the port vocations of Aleria and Mariana silted by the alluvial deposits of Tavignanu and Golu, the site of the Port of Cardo has always revealed a certain interest for navigation and trade with the “mainland”.
February 14, 1661: The Twelve Nobles decide the construction of a first pier in the old Porto-Cardu
1852: beginning of the construction of the pier of the Dragon
1860: demolition of the rock “le Lion” and development of the southern quay
From Cardo to St Nicholas Basin
1838: deliberation calling for the construction of a new port
1845: the project becomes more precise
1848: the decision is stopped
1858: the VALERY Company concludes a contract with the state for the maritime service of the Corsican ports
1860: release of credits on intervention of Napoleon III
1873: the VALERY Company loses its monopoly and Appearance of the FRAISSINET Company
1890: the wharves are not yet completed
1895: Despite the development of steamships, sailing ships still account for 40% of commercial traffic
1911: the Chamber of Commerce and Industry is de facto manager of the port.
Between the two wars
1920: the Chamber of Commerce and Industry obtains the official concession of the Port
1935: partial closure of the Fangu wharf
1939: lighting of the banks of the Rive and Fangu
1943: bombing destroys almost all port facilities
December 1944: the port is still congested by wrecks, the “Tiberias” the “Sidi Mabrouk” and the “Mont Agel”
Reconstruction
1948: Compagnie Générale Transatlantique succeeds Compagnie Fraissinet on the lines of Corsica
1956: the rebuilding of the sheds is over
1963: North East and East wharves have yet to be rebuilt – first horizontal handling ship put into service
1975: commissioning of the pier at Car-ferries
1979: Centennial storm, the Port undergoes significant damage
1987: demolition of the 4 hangars and parking facilities
1990: extension of landings won on the sea
The modern port
1956: the rebuilding of the sheds is over
1996: the Port of Bastia turns to modernity: Creation of two Maritime Terminals, restructuring of the landings
2002: development of the environment (green spaces, car parks, fountains, foggers)
2004: installation of dynamic operating equipment (variable messaging, light panels, real-time information, etc.)
2006: renewal of the concession of the port of Bastia by the Territorial Collective of Corsica, competent in place of the State since 2005
2009: Reinforcement of the southern terraces
2011: Repair of Hangar 5
2017: Extension of the North East platform
2018: Rehabilitation of South Terminal