Sfax

Size limits

LOA 205m, beam 32.26m, draught 9.4m, 64,043DWT.

Water density

1028.

Load line zone

Summer.

Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.

Approach

The port is approached from the vicinity of No 8 light buoy (34°27'N 010°56'E). An entrance channel, with a depth of 11.0m, width 40m, leads seaward to the harbour entrance, a distance of approx 2.5nm, max permitted draught 10.1m.

Sfax Nord and Sud Lightbuoys mark the outer end of the dredged channel and are positioned 3.5nm SE of Sfax Lighthouse.

The channel is then marked by 5 pairs of lightbuoys near the edge of the channel. Between No 5 and No 7 Lightbuoys there is a wreck. Other wrecks lie further NE, one of which is marked by an isolated danger lightbuoy.

Anchorages

The roadstead off Sfax affords a completely sheltered anchorage. However when a fresh breeze is blowing it is prudent to veer ample cable.

Anchorage may be obtained in depths of about 6.2m, 1nm SE of the tower (34°43.3'N 010°46.6'E) on the head of the S breakwater, mud and weed.

For vessels with greater draught anchorage may also be obtained S of the entrance to the buoyed channel, in depths of 11.0-12.0m, good holding, but clear of the charted disused submarine cable.

Caution: Attention is drawn to a wreck, with a depth of 3.9m over it, and a dangerous wreck, lying respectively, 0.25nm ESE, and 0.3nm W, of the anchorage position.

Restrictions

Entry and departure by night is not permitted for tankers of any size.

Tugs

There are tugs of 1 x 1,600hp and 1 x 3,200hp available.

Charts and publications

BA 1162, 3403. Admiralty Pilot NP45, NP286(3).

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

Repairs

Available.

Dry docks

There is a floating dock for small vessels up to 500t.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available.

Bunkering: Available.

Stores: Available.

Medical

Hospitals available in town. Private clinics available.

Crew change

Crew change is possible. Agent should obtain authorisation from Merchant Navy, some documents and certificates are required.

Transport

Nearest airport: Sfax (15km).

Working hours

Normally 0700-1300hrs, 1300-1900hrs (general cargo), throughout 24 hours (bulk cargoes).

Where it is

The port is located at the northern entrance to the Gulf of Gabes, midway between Djerba and Sousse, W of Kerkenah Islands.

The port

The main commercial berths lie in Bassin Principal and Nouvelle Darse. Basin des Voiliers, on the W side of the harbour, is used by government marine craft and the ferry service to Iles Kerkenah. The main harbour have depth of 10.5m; Voiliers harbour has a depth of 8.5m.

A large fishing and leisure harbour lies close S of the main harbour.

Exports are phosphates, salt, esparto grass, sponges, dates and olive oil.

Imports include grain, petroleum products, sulphur and general cargo.

Traffic

Approx 4,330,000t of cargo, 80,500TEU and 800 vessels handled annually.

What are the pilot arrangements at Sfax?

Compulsory for all vessels over 100GT entering the harbour and is available throughout 24 hours.

What time zone is Sfax in?

Local time at Sfax is UTC+1. No summer time.

What is the maximum draft at Sfax?

The deepest berth listed is at Sfax Terminal: 9.40 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Sfax?

1028.

Which load line zone is Sfax in?

Summer.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Sfax?

The UN/LOCODE of Sfax is TNSFA.

What crews who called at Sfax 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.

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