HARQALAH

• Latitude: 36.0326
• Longitude: 10.51
• West Mediterranean
• Port in Tunisia

Address: Tunisia

Harqalah, also spelled Hergla, is a small town with a maritime port located in the Sousse Governorate in Tunisia. Here’s a detailed description and specification of the port of Harqalah:

Location:

• Latitude/Longitude: Approximately 36.0333° N latitude and 10.5167° E longitude.
• Geographic Context: Situated on the eastern coast of Tunisia along the Mediterranean Sea, close to major cities like Sousse and Hammamet.

Port Description:

• Type: Small, regional port mainly used for fishing and sometimes small-scale cargo.
• Function: Primarily serves fishing vessels; also accommodates some touristic activities like small marine excursions.

Specifications:

• Water Depth:

  • Channel: Typically around 4 to 6 meters, suitable for small to medium-sized vessels.
  • Anchorage: Varies but generally shallower, suitable for small craft.
  • Cargo Pier: Limited depth, primarily catering to small vessels and not suitable for large ships.

• Berthing Facilities:

  • Quay Length: Limited quay infrastructure; a few hundred meters long with berthing options mainly for fishing and small recreational boats.
  • Draft: Shallow-draft facilities, usually under 6 meters.

• Navigation Aids:

  • Lighthouses/Beacons: Basic navigational aids are present to assist with entry and exit.
  • Tides/Currents: Limited tidal range; currents and wind conditions generally moderate but can vary seasonally.

Port Services:

• Repair and Maintenance: Basic facilities for minor repairs; no significant shipyard or dry dock facilities.
• Fuel and Supplies: Limited fuel supply options; basic provisions available for vessels.
• Security: Basic port security, managed locally. Often there is a minimal presence of customs and immigration facilities.

Economic Activity:

• Fishing: Major activity with fleets of small fishing boats operating from the port.
• Tourism: Some touristic operations such as boat trips and recreational activities. The town itself is a modest tourist destination.
• Trade: Limited commercial activity; primarily caters to local or regional needs.

Infrastructure:

• Access: Accessible via local road networks connecting to larger cities like Sousse and Hammamet.
• Facilities: Basic port infrastructure with limited warehousing and storage options.

Environmental Considerations:

• Ecological Sensitivity: Being a coastal port in the Mediterranean, there are ongoing efforts to protect marine and coastal environments. Pollution regulations are enforced as per national standards.

Challenges and Development Plans:

• Challenges: Infrastructure limitations, susceptibility to weather conditions, and limited commercial scope.
• Development: Efforts to improve port facilities are occasional, focusing mainly on enhancing services for fishing and tourism.

Key Contacts:

Local port authority or maritime office contacts are essential for up-to-date navigation and port usage details. Usually managed under the jurisdiction of Tunisia's Transport Ministry or local municipal authorities.

This provides an overview for anyone needing to understand or operate through the port of Harqalah. For specific operations, always refer to local maritime guidelines and contact port authorities.