Sfax, Tunisia
Sfax, Tunisia’s second largest city, is a vibrant Mediterranean port renowned for its historic walled medina and authentic local culture.
Port Overview
Sfax is Tunisia’s second-largest city and a major Mediterranean port located about 270 km southeast of Tunis. It ranks among the country’s largest ports, serving as a key hub for exports, fishing, and industrial activity. Strategically positioned, Sfax supports Tunisia’s international trade and is the nation’s largest fishing port. The port handles significant cargo volumes, with annual container throughput estimated at around 100,000 TEU, making it vital for regional commerce and economic development.
Facilities & Infrastructure
Sfax Port is a multipurpose facility with dedicated container, general cargo, and bulk terminals, including specialized RoRo and liquid bulk areas. It features modern container handling equipment, multiple berths, and advanced cargo tracking systems. The port offers extensive warehousing, covered and open storage, and temperature-controlled zones. Key equipment includes mobile cranes, tugboats, and advanced navigation aids. While AGVs are not specifically mentioned, the port is equipped for efficient cargo movement and vessel operations.
Container Terminals
Sfax, Tunisia’s container terminal has multiple dedicated berths and an annual handling capacity of over 200,000 TEU. The terminal uses modern container handling equipment and advanced tracking systems but is not fully automated, operating at a conventional automation level. Major operations and management are overseen by the Office de la Marine Marchande et des Ports (OMMP), the national port authority. The port primarily serves Mediterranean and European trade routes.
Port Services
- Container handling: Dedicated container berths, modern handling equipment, and advanced tracking systems.
- Cargo operations: General cargo, bulk cargo, RoRo, and liquid bulk handling facilities.
- Ship services: Stevedoring, bunker fuel supply, fresh water provisioning, ship repair and maintenance, waste management.
- Warehousing: Extensive covered and open storage, temperature-controlled and secure storage zones.
- Customs: Integrated customs clearance, documentation support, and border control facilities.
Global Connectivity
Sfax, Tunisia is a major Mediterranean port with direct shipping routes to Malta, Italy (Genoa, Laspezia, Pozzallo, Valencia), Spain (Barcelona, Castellón), Turkey (Istanbul, Izmir, Gemlik), Algeria, and Libya. It serves central and southern Tunisia, supporting exports of phosphates, textiles, and agricultural products. Sfax connects regional industries to European, North African, and Middle Eastern markets via regular container and general cargo services, with strong rail and road links for inland distribution.
Port Statistics
Port of Sfax, Tunisia – Key Statistics (2024):
- TEU throughput: Approximately 30,000–40,000 TEU annually (minor container port).
- World ranking: 641st globally by port connectivity.
- Number of berths: 10 commercial berths.
- Port area: About 65 hectares.
- Shipping lines: Regular service by CMA CGM; other regional and feeder operators present.
