1999
A move to new premises and the Erika
On 28th June, Cedre took front stage for its 20th anniversary: the President of the Board of Governors and the representatives of the State-Region plan contract funding bodies cut the ribbon to inaugurate the new facilities, marking the end of a 3-year work programme, costing a total of 19.5 million Francs. It was a team of 38 which moved into the new premises.
On 12th December, the oil tanker Erika, loaded with 30,000 tonnes of heavy fuel oil (n° 6), broke in two in a storm off Penmarc’h (Finistère, Brittany), releasing 20,000 tonnes of fuel oil and carrying the rest to the sea floor. The first slicks reached Finistère on 23rd December and the majority of the pollution submerged the Loire-Atlantique shoreline. Cedre fought with all its strength, alongside the terrestrial and maritime authorities.