At dawn on Friday, April 10, 2026, at the port of Ghar El Melh, the Bluespol team completed the first full-scale field trial of solar-powered light attraction technology applied to ring net fishing. The technology applied during the trial was developed and presented by Bluespol aboard the vessel “Youssef” (TG 995), owned by Issam Dhawadi.
The activity represented an important step toward reducing fuel dependency in Tunisian fisheries through the introduction of clean and energy-efficient technologies. Traditional fuel generators were replaced by a silent solar-powered system specifically designed for marine conditions, including humidity and salt exposure. During fishing operations, the system successfully powered fish attraction lights using solar energy, significantly reducing noise, operational costs and fuel consumption while supporting more sustainable fishing practices at sea.
The fisherman as a strategic partner: innovation for survival
The experiment highlighted the importance of strong involvement from professionals in the field, especially fishermen like Issam Dhawadi, who played a central role in the success of the trial.
Bluespol didn’t just sell technology it developed it in collaboration with fishermen to ensure it was simple, practical, and usable at sea. There is also a growing awareness among fishermen that sustainability is no longer optional, but necessary for survival, especially with rising fuel prices.
The presence of representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture and international cooperation bodies (AVFA and TIKA) underlined the importance of cooperation between innovators and field practitioners to support the adoption of environmentally friendly solutions.
Toward new standards in Tunisia’s blue economy
The success of this field trial opens real possibilities for scaling this model across Tunisia’s entire fishing fleet. It could significantly reduce the sector’s carbon footprint while improving the market value of seafood products. The event demonstrated that local technological innovation when guided by scientific vision and institutional support can be the fastest path toward energy independence in the fishing industry. The Ghar El Melh experience clearly showed that environmental protection does not contradict profitability; in fact, it is a key factor in ensuring it in the near future.
Imagine a fishing boat that once consumed large amounts of diesel just for lighting, now powered entirely for free by the sun while at sea. Bluespol has turned that idea into a working reality.
The message from Ghar El Melh at dawn was clear: the future of Tunisian fishing will be “blue and clean,” or it will struggle to remain competitive. The real achievement of Bluespol is not only the success of its solar system, but the creation of a viable economic model that protects both fishermen’s incomes and the marine environment at the same time. Today, sustainable fishing in Tunisia has a new name and a trusted technological partner: Bluespol.
