The port consists of a series of canal-like docks, the Canal de Tancarville and the Grand Canal du Havre, that connect Le Havre to the Seine, close to the Pont de Tancarville, 24 km (14.9 m) upstream.

It is operated as a public institution of trade and industry and is responsible for the management of all port facilities in its district.

Its surveillance council is composed of State representatives, employees, territorial community (Upper Normandy, Seine Maritime, CODAH and Le Havre) and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The main responsibility of the Harbour office is to constantly manage sea transport through traffic forecasts, traffic control, berthing of ships, navigation assistance, radar coverage, radio connections, collection and dissemination of information, co-ordination of operations, and remote control of peripheral equipment.

It is also in charge of policing the harbour area, monitoring dangerous goods and organising pollution control.

Nevertheless, with more than a thousand mooring rings, Le Havre marina has underestimated its success.

In order to deal with the increasing demand, Le Havre is planning to open a new marina: Port Vauban.

This new port is part of a global redevelopment project of the city neighbourhood, with the creation of a commercial centre (Docks Vauban) and the Les Bains Des Docks swimming complex designed by the famous French architect Jean Nouvel.

The port of Le Havre can accommodate all sizes of world cruise liners.

Due to its geographical location, on the Seine River mouth, at the entrance of the Channel, Le Havre is a gateway to Normandy and Paris.

The port of Le Havre deals with every type of commodities thanks to the diversity of its terminals.

Le Havre was the first container port in France and as a consequence retains a lot of facilities.

Moreover, the port of Le Havre is competent to accommodate full bulk carriers.