The port establishments in Saint-Denis and Saint-Pierre turned out to be unsuited to the coastal conditions on Bourbon island and the economic demands of the Compagnie des Indes; a new port was therefore built at La Pointe des Galets. The site chosen had two advantages: it was sheltered from strong currents and completely unoccupied. Construction began in 1886. The port was defended by three batteries and directly served by the railway line.