During the mission in 2008, we surveyed the seabed with new instruments for geophysical prospection, which made it possible to document the ancient topography of the two sites (the Bay of Aboukir and Alexandria harbour) in greater detail. The results of this new high-precision survey made it possible to select new targets for excavation in 2009.

In the Bay of Aboukir a survey and excavation program was set up to further investigate the morphology of the submerged landscape, the configuration of human communities across it, and the phenomena of their destruction. In Thônis-Heracleion, we also examined a number of interesting "anomalies" observed to the north of the site on the geophysical prospection maps.

In Alexandria archaeological excavations and visual examinations were carried out in the western part of the Portus Magnus. According to the ancient texts this was, where the "Navalia" were located. These powerful facilities were set up under the Ptolemies and maintained under the Roman Empire. They were composed of many arsenals and warehouses that ensured the smooth running of international trade in the harbour, which contributed immeasurably to the prosperity and glory of Alexandria. The archaeological remains discovered in the excavations correspond to the construction of a path topped with limestone blocks and bedded upon mortar and wooden piles. The roadway, probably connected the island of Pharos to moles and a pier , against which ships could berth and load or unload their precious cargoes.

In the port of Antirhodos, an important dike made out of limestone and mortar blocks was located. The passage between the island of Antirhodos and the mole, which was perpendicular to the ancient coastline, was confirmed. The passageway allows access to the royal ports while at the same time ensuring close control over it. The research has thus once again has made it possible to determine the complexity of the infrastructure of the harbour. The archaeological information allows us to understand how ships and their crews navigated between the different harbour basins.