PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Gabes
Pilot
updated May 2010- Gabes (Ghannouche) pilot boarding place Pilot boards33°57.1′N 010°08.9′E
Compulsory. Service available throughout 24 hours. Pilot boards at the Fairway Lightbuoy (Buoy No 0). Pilotage service is supplied by Office de la Marine Marchande et des Ports (OMMP).
Key data
updated Jan 2023Size limits
LOA 204.98m, Draught 10.5m, beam 32.26m, 63,878DWT.
Water density
1025.
Load line zone
Summer.
Tides
Range 2.1m springs, 1.3m neaps.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Dock | — | 205 m | 3 |
| North Dock | 10.50 m | 190 m | 2 |
| West Dock | 10.50 m | 200 m | 3 |
Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.
Approach
updated Jul 2017Approach
Access is through a 2nm channel, dredged to 13.5m, width 130m, marked by buoys.
The port is divided into two basins, the outer basin is dredged to 12.5m with a turning circle of 600m diameter and the inner basin is dredged to 10.5m at the perimeters.
Port limits
Around Landing Buoy (sea buoy) No 0.
Anchorages
Deep anchorage in position 33°57'N 010°04'E in depths of 13.5m. Anchorage can be obtained also 0.35nm NE of the harbour entrance, in depths of 7.0m, sand, good holding except from E winds.
Restrictions
When entry into the roadstead is prohibited, a red light is exhibited on the signal mast.
Tugs
Not compulsory except for tankers and dangerous cargoes. There are 1 x 1,200hp, 1 x 1,600hp and 1 x 3,400hp available. Tug request is made through pilot, vessel to provide tug lines.
Charts and publications
BA 9, 3327. Admiralty Pilot NP45, NP286(3).
Reporting before arrival
updated May 2010ETA and pre-arrival notices
ETA should be advised to Port Control 48, 24 hours prior to arrival and confirmed 2 hour before arrival. ETA should include arrival draught, number of tugs required, Master's name, crew number and crew health conditions.
Communications
Sfax or Zarzis Radio, throughout 24 hours.
VHF: Pilots and Port: Ch 16; 12, 15, 17. Hours 0800-1000hrs and 1400-1600hrs.
Notice of readiness
NOR to be tendered according to Charter Party terms.
Health
Pratique can be applied for by radio. Ship Sanitation Control and Exemption Certificates can be renewed.
Customs and immigration
Customs allowances for officers and crew are 1 carton of cigarettes and 1 bottle of spirit. Penalties for non compliance will be a fine of 1-3 times the value of the goods.
Flags
Tunisian flag must be displayed when entering Tunisian seawaters. If not complied with, a fine will be incurred.
Inspections
ISPS
ISPS Designated Authority: Merchant Marine and Ports Office.
Position: Merchant Marine and Port Officer.
Address: Batiment Administratif 2060, La Goulette, Tunis, Tunisia.
Tel: +216 7173 7556
Fax: +216 7173 8520
Mob: +216 9833 3089
Email: [email protected]
Telex: 15386
For further ISPS information see IMO website http://www.imo.org
Port services
updated Jun 2017Repairs
Available.
Bunkers, water and stores
Fresh water: Available alongside quays, 4 hours notice required.
Bunkering: Available by road tanker.
Stores: Fresh provisions and stores available
Medical
Regional Hospital of Gabes Mohammed Ben Sassi, 5.9km.
Crew change
Crew change is possible, 14 days notice is required.
Transport
Nearest airport: Airport of Matmata (domestic only) located at Gabes Sud, 28.5km.
Nearest railway: Gabes, 8km.
Working hours
Normally 0700-1300hrs and 1300-1900 and 1900-0100hrs for general cargo, throughout 24 hours for bulk cargoes.
About Gabes
updated Nov 2021Where it is
The port of Gabes is located approx 60km W of Djerba.
The port
Gabes port lies on the W side of Gulf de Gabes. The port offers a sheltered harbour surrounded by two breakwaters. The principal cargoes consist of grain, cement, fertiliser, chemical products and oil.
Traffic
Approx 2,800,803t of cargo and 3 TEU handled annually.
Questions about Gabes
Where does the pilot board at Gabes?
The pilot boards at Gabes (Ghannouche) pilot boarding place, 33°57.1′N 010°08.9′E.
What time zone is Gabes in?
Local time at Gabes is UTC+1. No summer time.
What is the maximum draft at Gabes?
The deepest berth listed is at North Dock: 10.50 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.
What is the water density at Gabes?
1025.
Which load line zone is Gabes in?
Summer.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Gabes?
The UN/LOCODE of Gabes is TNGAE.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Gabes say: pilot boarding, the agent's papers, inspections, shore leave. Each tip is shown with the writer's rank and ship type, and an AI summary sits on top once there are three or more.
A planning aid, not for navigation. These facts come from public sources and each section shows how old it is. Check with the port, your agent, your ENCs and official publications. Spotted something wrong? Tell us on the feedback board.