Bizerte‑Menzel Bourguiba Port Officially Launches New Maritime Tugboat Mactaris
The Port of Bizerte‑Menzel Bourguiba has officially commissioned the new maritime tugboat “Mactaris,” marking a significant milestone in the modernization of Tunisia’s national port fleet, according to the Office of the Merchant Marine and Ports (OMMP).
The ceremony was attended by the Governor of Bizerte, the Director General of Maritime Transport, and senior OMMP officials.
Improving Performance Indicators
Khawla Belakhdhar, President‑Director General of OMMP, explained that the integration of this floating unit aligns with the agency’s strategy to:
- Strengthen port infrastructure
- Boost key performance indicators (KPIs)
- Support the evolving maritime sector
The Bizerte‑Menzel Bourguiba port handles roughly 5 million tonnes of cargo each year, covering strategic economic sectors and representing about 20 % of the total volume processed by Tunisian ports.
Role of the “Mactaris”
In its first phase, the Mactaris will support the operations of the older tugboats “Rafraf” and “Joumine,” pending their eventual retirement and replacement with a newer unit.
Context: Ongoing Fleet Renewal
This deployment follows the entry into service of the tugboat “Bulla Regia” on 27 January 2025 at the Port of La Goulette. Bulla Regia is the first of a planned series of six tugboats intended to reinforce commercial ports, backed by a total investment of TND 168 million.
The broader program aims to:
- Renew the national tug fleet
- Secure vessel maneuvers
- Ensure the safety of port facilities
- Provide rapid-response capabilities for assistance, towing, and rescue
All of these objectives are pursued within a framework that integrates energy transition and the logistical development of maritime transport.
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Keywords: Bizerte-Menzel Bourguiba port, Mactaris tugboat, OMMP, maritime fleet modernization, Tunisian ports, cargo throughput, energy transition, maritime logistics.
