La Goulette, Tunisia
La Goulette is Tunisia’s historic maritime gateway, renowned for its strategic port and 16th-century fortress.
Port Overview
La Goulette is a key port located approximately 10–12 km northeast of Tunis, on the Gulf of Tunis. It ranks among Tunisia’s most important ports, serving as the main gateway for passenger, cruise, and Ro-Ro traffic, and is strategically positioned at the convergence of major road and rail networks. The port features three berths with a total quay length of 657 meters and a maximum draught of 9–10 meters. La Goulette handles around 3,000 TEU annually, supporting both commercial and tourism sectors in the region.
Facilities & Infrastructure
La Goulette, Tunisia’s main port, features three berths with a total berthing line of 657 meters and quay depths ranging from 5.1 to 10 meters. The port specializes in cruise and passenger traffic, offering two modern terminal buildings with facilities such as waiting lounges, duty-free shops, and WiFi. Cargo handling is limited, mainly for vehicles and bulk products. Equipment includes tugboats, telescopic passenger gangways, and a floating platform, but there are no automated guided vehicles (AGVs) or large container cranes.
Container Terminals
La Goulette, Tunisia’s main container terminal, has three berths with a total quay length of 657 meters and a draft ranging from 5.1 to 10 meters. The terminal handles both cruise and cargo operations, with a moderate capacity suitable for regional trade. Automation levels are low, with most operations performed manually. The major operators are a joint venture between Global Ports Holding and MSC Cruises.
Port Services
- Container handling: Limited; the port primarily focuses on passenger and vehicle traffic, but some cargo operations, including cars and bulk cereals, are handled.
- Cargo operations: Handles homogeneous cargo such as vehicles, bulk cereals, and various general goods.
- Ship services: Tugboats, patrol boats, dock cleaning, passenger gangways, and berthing for large vessels.
- Warehousing: Facilities available for cargo storage and passenger luggage.
- Customs: On-site customs and phytosanitary controls for cargo and passenger processing.
Global Connectivity
La Goulette, Tunisia, is a key Mediterranean gateway serving the capital Tunis and its populous metropolitan region. The port connects to major European ports such as Genoa, Civitavecchia, Palermo, and Marseille via regular ferry and cruise routes. It is integrated with Tunisia’s national road and rail networks, facilitating access to inland regions. La Goulette’s shipping routes primarily link North Africa to Southern Europe, supporting both passenger and vehicle traffic to major markets across the Mediterranean.
Port Statistics
La Goulette, Tunisia – Key Port Statistics (2025):
- TEU throughput: Primarily a cruise port; container throughput data not significant or published.
- World ranking: Not ranked among major global container ports.
- Number of berths: 7 cruise berths.
- Port area: Approximately 26 hectares.
- Shipping lines: Regular calls by major cruise lines such as MSC Cruises, Costa Cruises, Regent Seven Seas, and Viking Cruises.
La Goulette is a leading North African cruise gateway, handling nearly 400,000 cruise passengers in 2025 and operating year-round.
