PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Sousse
Pilot
updated Oct 2017Compulsory for vessels over 100GT. Masters should contact "Sousse Port Control" throughout 24hrs on VHF Ch 12 or 16, Tel: +216 73 221763. Pilot boards at the entrance to the dredged entrance channel in the vicinity of Sousse No 1 Lightbuoy. Siren signal for a pilot, in addition to the usual signals, is 3 long blasts on the whistle or siren.
Key data
updated Jun 2022Size limits
LOA 165m, beam 25.80m, draught 8.5m, 25,202DWT.
Water density
1027.
Load line zone
Summer.
Tides
Tidal range is approx 0.5m at MHWS.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sousse Terminal | 8.50 m | 165 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 2022Approach
Approach and entry: The port is approached from E and entered through a dredged channel, then between the heads of Epi Nord and Epi Sud.
The Channel runs due W through 2 breakwaters which protect the port. The channel is 820m in length, width 65m and dredged to 11.0m.
No 1 Lightbuoy (starboard hand) is moored 1.5nm N of Sidi Abd-el-Hamid.
No 2 Lightbuoy (port hand) is moored 0.22nm SE of the head of Jetee Abri.
No 3 Lightbuoy (starboard hand) is moored 0.1nm ESE of the head of Jetee Abri.
The approach to the entry channel on a course of 272°, is marked by No 2 and No 3 Lightbuoys.
Port limits
The first sea buoy of the channel is the outer limit of the port.
Anchorages
The Sousse roads are not safe as it is exposed to winds between N and SE and the holding is poor. However, in summer the seas are subdued by the weedy bottom and consequently the anchorage is considered to be acceptable.
Anchorage may be obtained, in depths of approx 12m, 0.7nm ESE of the head of Jetee Abri (35°49.7'N 010°39.2'E). A shoal, with a depth of 9.7m over it, lies 0.3nm ESE of this position. Closer inshore anchorage can be obtained, in depths of approx 7m, 0.2nm SSE of the jetty head.
Anchorage can also be obtained on the alignment 251° of Sousse Casbah Lighthouse with the head of Jetee Abri.
Without a pilot onboard, vessels drawing more than 6.0m must not anchor farther W than the alignment 158° of Sidi Abdelhamid with Sidi en Najar, 3nm SSE.
Tugs
One tug is available.
Mooring
Tankers should have full manoeuvring power available and a competent helmsman at the wheel when entering and berthing.
Charts and publications
BA 1162. Admiralty Pilot NP45, NP286(3).
Reporting before arrival
updated May 2010ETA and pre-arrival notices
Notice of ETA and request for pilot must be sent to the Harbour Master's Office 72, 48 and 24 hours in advance.
Communications
Sousse Port Control: "3VW4" 2182kHz. Inmarsat communication is possible.
VHF: Pilot & Port: Ch 16, 12.
Tug: Ch 12.
Notice of readiness
As per Charter Party.
Documents
All vessels shall, at their arrival, report to the port office, all cargo to be charged.
Health
Free pratique is automatically given to ships arriving from other Tunisian ports and is given at the berth after mooring. In case of suspected disease onboard, vessel will be ordered to the quarantine anchorage.
Customs and immigration
Requires shore passes.
Notices and regulations
Port regulations are in force, vessels should obtain copies on arrival.
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 2022Repairs
Minor hull and machinery repairs available.
Dry docks
Not available.
Bunkers, water and stores
Fresh water: Available.
Bunkering: Available from Tunis or Sfax by road tankers.
Medical
Nearest hospital: Hospital Farhat Hached, 1.9km.
Crew change
Available.
Transport
Nearest airport: Monastir Habib Bourguiba International Airport, 16.2km.
Working hours
Throughout 24 hours.
Shifts are as follows: Day time: 0700-1300hrs, 1400-2000hrs.
Over time: 2100-0300hrs.
Note: 0300-0600hrs shift used only for discharging/loading bulk cargoes.
Working during Sundays and holidays if the circumstances permitted.
About Sousse
updated Jun 2022Where it is
Sousse is located on the coast of the Gulf of Hammamet approx, 140km S of Tunis.
The port
The port of Sousse is an active commercial and fishing port. The port mainly deals with general cargo. The port offers a sheltered harbour protected by three breakwaters, the entrance between the breakwaters is 65m in width.
Traffic
Approx 2,000,000t of cargo, 73,000 TEU and 600 vessels handled annually.
Questions about Sousse
What are the pilot arrangements at Sousse?
Compulsory for vessels over 100GT.
What time zone is Sousse in?
Local time at Sousse is UTC+1. No summer time.
What is the maximum draft at Sousse?
The deepest berth listed is at Sousse Terminal: 8.50 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.
What is the water density at Sousse?
1027.
Which load line zone is Sousse in?
Summer.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Sousse?
The UN/LOCODE of Sousse is TNSUS.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Sousse 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.