A behemoth of concrete and steel. That’s Forme 10. Right here in Marseille.
Forme 10 isn’t just any dry dock. It’s the largest in the Mediterranean. Imagine a colossal bathtub capable of holding 450000 cubic meters of water. That’s Forme 10. Built in the early 1970s it was initially designed for oil tankers.
The 1980s saw a decline in its use. Ship repair shifted towards China. Forme 10 fell into disuse. For a decade it sat abandoned. A forgotten giant in the heart of Marseille’s port. But its story doesn’t end there.
In 2012 Italian operators saw its potential. They partnered with the Grand Port Maritime de Marseille. They invested heavily. They breathed new life into this aging giant. The reason? The rise of massive cruise ships.
Forme 10’s immense size became a major advantage. It could accommodate the world’s largest cruise liners. This attracted major ship owners. They needed a place to maintain and repair their colossal vessels.
After years of work Forme 10 reopened. Its first visitor? The MSC Orchestra in October 2017. It came for scrubber installation. A vital step in environmental compliance.
Today Forme 10 is a symbol of Marseille’s maritime prowess. A testament to its resilience. It’s also a key player in the regional economy. Ship repair generates countless jobs. In Marseille Toulon and Ciotat. This industry fuels the local and regional economy. Maritime employment in the Bouches-du-Rhone department is significant. It’s the largest maritime region in France employing around 120000 people.
Forme 10 is more than a dry dock. It’s a story of revival. A story of economic importance. It’s a story of Marseille’s enduring connection to the sea. A story we can all appreciate right here. At Forme 10.