PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Rades
Pilot
updated May 2010Compulsory for all vessels over 100GT and is available throughout 24 hours (tankers and ore carriers berthed daytime only). Pilot boards 0.25nm E of the Fairway Lightbuoy or by arrangement in the harbour.
Key data
updated Nov 2022Size limits
Max draught 9.15m, LOA 209.79m, beam 28.0m, and 37,278DWT.
Water density
1028.
Load line zone
Summer.
Tides
Range 0.6m. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rades Container Terminal | 9.15 m | 210 m | 7 |
Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.
Approach
updated Jun 2017Approach
Access lies through the Canal de Tunis to the outer port of La Goulette, then via a channel 1.5nm long, min width 45m, with a depth of 12.0m. The Rades Terminal basin has a dredged depth of 10.5m.
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.
Anchorages
Inside harbour anchorage is prohibited E of phosphates quay, where high voltage electric cables are laid.
Restrictions
Max airdraught 42m.
Tankers and grain carriers are not allowed to enter, leave, or shift during darkness hours.
Vessels are prohibited from deviating outside the entrance channel when entering or leaving the port. The channel must be followed for its entire length.
A speed limit of 5kts is enforced within the harbour, especially passing La Goulette berths.
Tugs
Two tugs of 1,600hp each are available to assist as directed by pilot.
One tug is compulsory for safety assistance during unloading.
Charts and publications
BA 1184. Admiralty Pilot NP45, NP286(3).
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 Rades
updated Nov 2022Where it is
The port of Rades is situated in a basin between La Goulette and Tunis.
The port
The port basin has 7 berths which accommodate general cargo vessels, Ro-Ro and container ships.
Traffic
Approx 6,000,000t of cargo, 300,000TEU and 1,200 vessels handled annually.
Questions about Rades
What are the pilot arrangements at Rades?
Compulsory for all vessels over 100GT and is available throughout 24 hours (tankers and ore carriers berthed daytime only).
What time zone is Rades in?
Local time at Rades is UTC+1. No summer time.
What is the maximum draft at Rades?
The deepest berth listed is at Rades Container Terminal: 9.15 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.
What is the water density at Rades?
1028.
Which load line zone is Rades in?
Summer.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Rades?
The UN/LOCODE of Rades is TNRDS.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Rades 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.