For businesses navigating North African trade routes, the Tunisian port of Sfax (port code: TNSFA) has emerged as a strategic Mediterranean gateway. Located on Tunisia's eastern coast, this dual-purpose commercial and fishing port serves as a critical node connecting Europe and Africa.
Sfax Port: A Strategic Hub on the Mediterranean's Western Route
Positioned at the northern entrance of Gabès Gulf, west of Djerba Island, Sfax Port handles vessels with maximum drafts of 10.06 meters. The port's semi-sheltered anchorage features favorable bottom conditions, while its 4,572-meter-long approach channel (242.6 meters wide, 10.97 meters deep) ensures safe navigation.
Maritime operations follow strict protocols: all vessels require mandatory pilotage and maintain VHF radio contact on Channel 16. The port operates on two shifts for general cargo (07:00-13:00 and 13:00-19:00) while offering 24-hour service for bulk commodities.
Port Infrastructure: Three Specialized Basins
Main Basin: Multipurpose Cargo Handling
The primary basin features four specialized docks:
- Northwest Commercial Dock: 520m long, 10.5m depth for general cargo
- Northeast Phosphate Dock: 584m long, handling phosphates and sulfur
- Northeast Extension: 243m long for additional capacity
- COTUSAL Dock: 110m dedicated to bulk salt loading
Petroleum Basin: Energy Logistics Center
This sector includes:
- Oil tanker berths (10.5m depth)
- NPK Dock (150m) for superphosphates, sulfur, and coal
- SURFRIER Dock (220m) for additional capacity
Sailing and Fishing Basin
This traditional harbor features five mooring areas and a 150m-long, 4m-deep dock for smaller vessels.
Operational Capabilities
The port maintains substantial storage capacity, including 220,000 tons for phosphates and 3,000 tons of cold storage. Its equipment roster includes:
- 1 floating crane (60-ton capacity)
- 1 auxiliary floating crane (8-ton)
- Multiple mobile cranes (10-40 ton capacity)
- Forklifts (2-4 ton capacity)
- Specialized ro-ro facilities
While lacking dry dock facilities, Sfax provides comprehensive services including ship repairs, towing, lifeboat operations, and crew repatriation. The port ensures reliable access to freshwater, provisions, fuel supplies, and medical services.
Navigational Considerations
Prevailing northerly winds and moderate tidal ranges (1.60m during spring tides, 1.07m during neap tides) create stable operating conditions. The water density of 1028 requires careful calculations for vessel loading.
For shipping operators targeting North African markets, Sfax Port's combination of specialized infrastructure, strategic location, and operational efficiency presents a compelling alternative to more congested Mediterranean ports. Its ability to handle diverse cargo types—from bulk commodities to general merchandise—makes it particularly valuable for regional trade networks.