The port of Djerba Island, located in the governorate of Médenine, has recently strengthened its ferry fleet with the addition of a new ferry, which has completed its repairs and maintenance and is now back in service. This ferry, with a capacity of 20 to 24 vehicles, will help improve transport services between the island and the mainland (Jorf-Ajim), thereby reducing waiting times for passengers.
With the commissioning of the Kheir Eddine ferry, the total number of ferries operating on the island increases to four, allowing for the maintenance of another ferry, El Jorf, which also requires repairs. Thus, for the summer season, four ferries will be ready to provide quality service and manage the high maritime traffic, according to Farhat Laarayedh, head of ferry operations on Djerba Island at the Regional Directorate of Equipment.
It is important to note that the island’s ferries transport approximately 2,000 vehicles daily, a figure that rises significantly in the summer due to the resurgence of domestic tourism. This high demand leads to prolonged waiting times, causing frustration among passengers and challenges for service managers, who strive to meet demand with the logistical and human resources available.
During a ministerial meeting held last August, it was decided to transfer the management of Djerba’s ferries from the Ministry of Equipment to the Ministry of Transport, following the publication of the necessary regulatory texts and the creation of a dedicated structure for managing this public service. This reorganization aims to ensure that the transport of people and vehicles via ferries complies with legal and regulatory maritime safety requirements while guaranteeing service efficiency and quality.
Finally, the residents of Djerba eagerly await the construction of a bridge connecting the island to Jorf-Ajim. This project, which has been the subject of several studies and consultations in Djerba, represents a major challenge for the island’s development. Once completed, the bridge will facilitate travel and open up new investment opportunities for the region.
