Timeline

The history of Port Reunion began in 1872 when a site in the west of Reunion Island called Pointe des Galets was first chosen as the location for harbour development. Up until then, shipping access to Reunion Island was by means of landing stages consisting of pontoons extending out to sea. The development of trade, and in particular the cultivation of sugar cane, made building the port a necessity.  Ever since then Port Reunion has shared a history with that of the island.

The town and its port

The port activity soon gave rise to the surrounding town, which became a municipality called Le Port in 1895. The municipality and Port Reunion have literally developed side-by-side, and the town is now home to more than three-quarters of all port complex employees.


Page last modified on: 23 April 2021