Tunisia has completed the first operational voyage of an artisanal fishing boat powered entirely by electric propulsion supplied by solar energy, marking a milestone in the country’s efforts to decarbonise the fisheries sector and promote renewable energy solutions.
The pilot voyage took place on Monday, June 29, 2026, in Ajim on the island of Djerba, according to WWF North Africa, which organised the initiative as part of a project aimed at introducing clean energy technologies to coastal fishing communities.
The demonstration represents Tunisia’s first practical application of a solar-powered electric propulsion system on an artisanal fishing vessel, showing that renewable energy can provide a viable alternative to traditional fuel-powered marine engines.
The initiative is expected to support the transition towards cleaner fishing practices by reducing dependence on fossil fuels, lowering greenhouse gas emissions and improving the economic resilience of small-scale fishermen.
WWF North Africa said the project places Tunisia among the Mediterranean countries taking early steps towards reducing carbon emissions in artisanal fisheries while supporting a sustainable blue economy that balances marine conservation with economic development.
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Ajim was selected for the pilot project because of its active artisanal fishing community, strong local support for renewable energy initiatives and favourable solar conditions that allow efficient use of photovoltaic technology.
The project, titled “Decarbonisation of Artisanal Fisheries in Tunisia: Promoting Clean Energy for Sustainable Coastal Communities,” is funded by the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
It seeks to accelerate the adoption of clean energy in Tunisia’s fisheries sector, reduce emissions, improve fishermen’s working conditions and protect fragile marine ecosystems.
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The initiative comes as artisanal fishermen face rising operational costs, particularly from increasing fossil fuel prices, which represent a major expense for many small-scale fishing operators. It also supports Tunisia’s wider commitments to climate action and reducing carbon emissions.
Implemented over 12 months in the Gulf of Gabès, the project aims to prove the technical and economic feasibility of renewable energy-powered fishing operations while developing financing models that could allow wider adoption of the technology.
As part of the programme, eight artisanal fishing boats will be equipped with solar-powered electric propulsion systems. More than 100 fishermen and representatives from relevant institutions are expected to receive training, while technical and economic assessments will be conducted to guide future national policies on energy transition in fisheries.
The solar-powered boats use an integrated system consisting of an electric motor designed for coastal fishing activities and rechargeable batteries capable of providing the necessary range for fishing trips.
A solar-powered charging station has also been installed to serve Fisheries Development Groups in Ghannouch in Gabès Governorate and Ajim in Médenine Governorate, allowing fishermen to recharge batteries using renewable energy.
WWF North Africa said the initiative could significantly reduce fuel expenses for fishermen while cutting risks of marine pollution caused by hydrocarbon leaks and reducing carbon dioxide emissions and noise pollution from conventional engines.
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Beyond environmental benefits, the project is expected to improve air quality in coastal communities, strengthen the economic and social resilience of fishing families and provide a model that could be expanded to other parts of Tunisia and the wider Mediterranean region.
The initiative reflects growing efforts across the Mediterranean to modernise traditional fishing sectors through renewable energy technologies while protecting marine resources for future generations.
