In contrast to an international downturn, leading French port Marseille Fos has reported exceptional results for July with 7.8 million tonnes of cargo and 387,000 passengers – up by 18.6% and 13% respectively on the same month last year. General cargo totalled 1.64MT (+8%) after growth in all three sectors – containers, ro-ro and conventional.  Box throughput rose 11% to more than one million tonnes, representing a 12% unit increase to 112,768 teu.  Traffic through the Fos deepsea container terminals is now 4% ahead on the first seven months of last year, while the Terminal de Mediterranee in Marseille set a July record for its container activity. Liquid bulks were 26% better at 5.11MT.  Oil & gas volumes rose 28% to 4.76MT, which included crude imports up 41% on 3MT and LNG soaring 71% to 0.62MT.  Liquid chemicals and agro-products increased by 4% increase to 0.35MT. Dry bulks gained 3% for 1.07MT, largely due to imports of raw materials for the steel industry rising by 8% to 0.79MT. Passenger throughput was notable for a 31% increase in cruise numbers to 199,000.  Those in transit rose 36% to 149,000, while the home port total of 50,000 marked an 18% improvement.  Ferry carryings on North Africa and Corsica services were 1% down on July last year at 188,000.