PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
La Goulette
Pilot
updated May 2010Compulsory for all vessels over 100GT and for vessels entering La Goulette or the channel to Tunis. Available throughout 24 hours. The pilot will board the vessel approx 0.25nm from No 1 Lightbuoy, or in bad weather by agreement, inside the harbour entrance. The pilot must be ordered 30 minutes before arrival at the outermost lightbuoy through La Goulette port radio station.
Key data
updated Oct 2017Size limits
Max draught 9.4m.
Water density
1028.
Load line zone
Summer.
Tides
Range 0.4m. NW winds cause the water level to rise by 0.2m and SE winds cause it to lower by 0.2m.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sndp Oil Terminal (La Goulette Sud) | — | — | 1 |
| South Quay Terminal | — | — | 2 |
| North Quay Terminal | — | — | 7 |
| Cruise Terminal | — | — | 2 |
| South Quay Terminal | — | — | 1 |
Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.
Approach
updated Oct 2017Approach
No 1 Lightbuoy is moored near the entrance to the approach channel to La Goulette, 3.5nm ESE of La Goulette. No 2 Lightbuoy is moored on the S side of the entrance of the channel, and No 3 Lightbuoy, is moored 0.05nm N of No 2 Lightbuoy and marks the N side of the channel.
Between No 2 and 3 Lightbuoys and the entrance to the harbour, the channel is marked by lightbuoys all fitted with radar reflectors.
The channel leading to the harbour is approx 6,400m in length, 100m width, depth 12m. There is a spoil ground approx 0.5nm S of the approach channel, vessels should keep clear of this area.
There are two turning basins, one inside S breakwater, marked by buoys and capable of turning vessels up to 220m in length, another off the tanker berth.
Anchorages
Anchorage off La Goulette is sheltered from winds between S and W. In winter it sometimes becomes dangerous, but the holding ground is very good and the depths shoal regularly shorewards. Anchorage, sheltered from S and W winds, can be obtained about 2nm N of No 1 Fairway Lightbuoy, in depths of 11.0-13.0m, sand, good holding.
Prohibited anchorage. Anchoring is prohibited within 0.5nm of the Fairway Buoy.
Restrictions
Vertical clearance: An overhead power cable, with a vertical clearance of 42m, spans the channel at the E end of Bassin de Rades, about 1.25nm within the entrance of La Goulette.
Another power cable, with the same vertical clearance, spans the channel 0.25nm E of the above mentioned.
Tugs
There are 2 tugs, 1,600hp and 3,200hp, others are available from Rades and Tunis.
Charts and publications
BA 1184. Admiralty Pilot NP45, NP286(3).
Reporting before arrival
updated Oct 2017ETA and pre-arrival notices
Advise the Captain of the Port 12 hours prior to arrival in the roads with ETA, draught, last port of call and cargo (especially if carrying dangerous cargo). The radio station will inform vessels of time and order for entering and berthing. Vessels in Canal de Tunis should maintain a continuous listening watch on VHF Ch 10.
Communications
VHF: Port: Ch 16, 10, 12, 14.
Pilot Vessel: Ch 16; 09, 10.
Tugs: Ch 09.
Email: [email protected]
Health
Ship Sanitation Control and Ship Sanitation Control Exemption Certificates renewed.
Notices and regulations
Vessels are prohibited from deviating outside the dredged entrance channel when entering or leaving the port. The channel must be followed for its entire length.
Tankers and ore carriers are not permitted to enter or depart during the hours of darkness.
A speed limit of 5kts is enforced within the harbour. When passing the mineral loading berths on the S side of La Goulette, speed must be reduced to a minimum.
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
About La Goulette
updated Nov 2021Where it is
La Goulette lies approx 9km NE of Tunis, on the coast of the Gulf of Tunis and is connected to the capital and the sea via dredged canal and channel.
The port
The port is equipped for handling most types of vessel, including general cargo, bulk ore, cereals, phosphates, tankers, containers and Ro-Ro passenger and cruise ships. La Goulette is approached through a 6,400m dredged channel and the harbour is sheltered by N and S breakwaters containing the fishing harbour and the commercial port.
Traffic
Approx 900 vessels, 760,000 passengers, 3,000TEU and 880,000t of cargo handled annually.
Questions about La Goulette
What are the pilot arrangements at La Goulette?
Compulsory for all vessels over 100GT and for vessels entering La Goulette or the channel to Tunis.
What time zone is La Goulette in?
Local time at La Goulette is UTC+1. No summer time.
What is the water density at La Goulette?
1028.
Which load line zone is La Goulette in?
Summer.
What is the UN/LOCODE of La Goulette?
The UN/LOCODE of La Goulette is TNLGN.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at La Goulette 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.