Hervé Martel, chairman of the board of directors of the Port of Marseille, and José Noldin, president of GravitHy, today signed the land reservation agreement for the project to establish a large-scale, low-carbon reduced iron production plant led by GravitHy in the Fos-sur-Mer industrial port zone.
In accordance with the Port's land policy, the first step in the contractualization of the land-based portion of the GravitHy project consisted of signing a land reservation agreement for the Port. The signing of this agreement was preceded by a mandatory prior publicity measure.
The GravitHy project aims to accelerate the decarbonization of the European steel industry by offering a turnkey solution. This involves the direct reduction of 3Mt of iron ore per year using hydrogen. This innovative process, claims the company, will reduce CO₂ emissions from steel by up to 90%, while separating iron production from steel production. GravitHy embodies a low-carbon, sovereign, and resilient industrial model, serving France's industrial autonomy. Following the ongoing consultation phase, GravitHy plans to begin construction on its first direct iron reduction plant at the end of 2026, with the facilities expected to commence operations in 2029.
"This signing solidifies our local roots and marks a decisive step towards the realization of a unique industrial project in Europe."
José Noldin, chairman of GravitHy.
According to Hervé Martel, chairman of the board of directors of the Port of Marseille, Fos, "The signing of this agreement marks a new milestone for the industrial and environmental future of the Fos-sur-Mer industrial port area. With GravitHy, we are welcoming a major project that embodies our ambition to reconcile economic development and ecological transition. This partnership is fully aligned with our decarbonization strategy and the Port's Natural Heritage Master Plan. We are proud to contribute to the emergence of a low-carbon reduced iron production sector, at the heart of a rapidly changing port ecosystem."
José Noldin, chairman of GravitHy, commented: "This signing solidifies our local roots and marks a decisive step towards the realization of a unique industrial project in Europe. In Fos-sur-Mer, we are building much more than a factory: we are laying the foundations for a new, low-carbon, resilient, and sovereign steel industry. GravitHy is committed to working alongside the region to make the energy transition an industrial reality."