Belgian marine engineering group DEME has secured a major dredging contract from the Tunisian Office of Merchant Marine and Ports to improve port accessibility, navigation safety, and operational efficiency across several of Tunisia’s key maritime gateways. The project is expected to support trade flows, strengthen logistics infrastructure, and align Tunisian ports with international maritime standards.

The contract covers dredging and port enhancement works at Sousse, Menzel-Bourguiba/Bizerte, and Radès/La Goulette, requiring a coordinated execution strategy due to the geographical spread of operations and limited storage capacity at project sites. The programme represents an important infrastructure upgrade for Tunisia’s maritime sector, particularly at ports supporting cargo movement and industrial activities.

Two-Phase Port Infrastructure Programme

Under the first phase, DEME will construct containment dykes in the ports of Menzel-Bourguiba and Sousse to support material handling and reclamation activities. Given that the two locations are located more than 200 kilometres apart, the project will require significant logistical coordination and phased deployment planning.

The second phase will involve large-scale dredging operations across all three project locations using a trailing suction hopper dredger, helping deepen navigation channels and improve port accessibility for commercial maritime traffic.

Sustainable Material Reuse and Land Reclamation

A key component of the programme involves the sustainable management of dredged materials, with different reuse strategies based on site-specific requirements.

• In Sousse and Menzel-Bourguiba, dredged materials will be reused for land reclamation purposes.
• In Bizerte, part of the material will be reclaimed in Menzel-Bourguiba while remaining material will be disposed offshore.
• At Radès and La Goulette, dredged material will be pumped ashore to designated disposal zones.

The project highlights growing investment in port modernization, dredging services, marine engineering, coastal infrastructure, and maritime logistics, while creating potential opportunities for contractors involved in marine construction, dredging equipment, reclamation engineering, and port infrastructure support services.

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