BIZERTE

• TNBIZ
• Latitude: 37.2612
• Longitude: 9.85992
• West Mediterranean
• Port in Tunisia

Location: Bizerte Tunisia

Marine Port Description and Specifications: Bizerte, Tunisia

General Overview

The Port of Bizerte, located in Northern Tunisia, is a significant maritime port known for its strategic positioning on the Mediterranean Sea. It serves as a key hub for trade, logistics, and naval activities, benefiting from its proximity to major European shipping routes.

Location

• Coordinates: 37.2744° N, 9.8739° E
• Proximity to Major Cities:
  • Tunis: Approximately 66 kilometers (41 miles) southeast
  • La Goulette: Approximately 60 kilometers (37 miles) southeast

Port Infrastructure

1. Harbor Details:

   • Type of Harbor: Natural harbor with engineered enhancements.
   • Entrance Channel: The entrance to the channel is about 12 kilometers long, with a width conducive to both cargo ships and naval vessels.

2. Berthing Facilities:

   • Total Number of Berths: 18 commercial berths, including specialized berths for various types of cargo.
   • Cargo Berths:
     • Dry Cargo Berths: Multiple berths designed for handling dry bulk cargo.
     • Liquid Cargo Berths: Designated facilities for the import and export of liquid bulk products such as petroleum.
   • Draft Depths: The depths of berths range between 8 to 12 meters, accommodating a wide variety of vessel sizes.

3. Cargo Handling Capabilities:

   • Cargo Types:
     • Dry Bulk (including grain, minerals)
     • Liquid Bulk (petroleum products, chemicals)
     • General Cargo
     • Containers
   • Equipment:
     • Cranes: Gantry cranes, mobile cranes, and heavy lift capabilities.
     • Conveyor systems for efficient handling of bulk materials.
     • Warehousing Facilities: On-site storage including refrigerated units for perishable goods.
   • Handling Capacity: Able to handle millions of tons of cargo annually, with continuous improvements to increase throughput.

Additional Facilities and Services

1. Ship Repair and Bunkering:

   • Shipyards: Facilities available for repair and maintenance work.
   • Bunkering services: Available for refueling vessels.

2. Supporting Services:

   • Pilotage: Mandatory for all incoming vessels.
   • Tug Assistance: Available for maneuvering.
   • Customs and Border Protection: On-site for efficient processing of cargo and vessels.

3. Transportation Links:

   • Road: Well-connected by highways to major cities including Tunis.
   • Rail: Linked by rail providing additional cargo transit options.
   • Air: Nearest international airport is Tunis-Carthage International Airport, facilitating quick transport of goods and personnel.

Economic and Operational Highlights

• Economic Importance: Acts as a crucial entry point for domestic and international trade, contributing significantly to Tunisia’s economy.
• Operational Efficiency: Known for relatively low congestion and quick turnaround times due to efficient port management and modern equipment.
• Environmental Measures: Implementation of strict environmental regulations to mitigate the impact of port operations on the surrounding marine ecosystem.

Future Developments

Bizerte Port is continuously upgrading its infrastructure and expanding capacity to meet growing demands. Projects may include:

• Enhanced container handling facilities
• Improved logistics and intermodal transport linkages
• Upgraded environmental protection measures

Conclusion

The Port of Bizerte represents a vital component of Tunisia's maritime infrastructure, playing a pivotal role in both regional and international trade. With comprehensive facilities, strategic location, and forward-thinking development plans, it continues to grow in capacity and capability.