Post by Kais EL JBEL

The best infrastructure projects do not start with concrete. They start with a question: "Can we create a better experience with what we already have?" During my time as General Manager of SONOTRAK, this question became the foundation of one of the most inspiring projects I had the privilege to lead: Why should a passenger spend hours waiting in a kilometre-long queue, isolated from services and disconnected from the sea, when that same time could become a comfortable part of the journey? This simple question led us to imagine a different future: not just building a maritime terminal, but redesigning the entire travel experience while creating value for the Kerkennah community. Leading a multidisciplinary team of SONOTRAK professionals, engineers, and architects, we developed an integrated vision based on operational realities, passenger needs, and site studies. Our challenge was simple: How can we improve people's lives while remaining financially responsible? The project aimed to: • Improve passenger experience by bringing travellers closer to the waterfront, cafés, green spaces, and public facilities. • Reduce congestion and CO₂ emissions through better traffic flow and less vehicle idling. • Connect travellers with local cafés, traditional fish vendors, artisans, and businesses, creating opportunities for the community. • Transform the maritime terminal from a transit point into a welcoming gateway to the Kerkennah Islands. • Integrate renewable energy, sustainable lighting, landscaping, and modern design while preserving the identity of the islands. The project was also connected to our digital transformation strategy. Through SONO-TRACKing, passengers would receive real-time information on departures, arrivals, queue status, and voyage planning. Technology was never the objective. It was the enabler of a better human experience. What makes me particularly proud is that this vision was created by SONOTRAK employees. It was built on operational knowledge, creativity, and collaboration — proving that innovation starts with people. Recognizing its environmental, social, and economic potential, we presented the concept to UN-Habitat Tunisia and engaged with development stakeholders to explore possible support. This vision remains relevant today. Leadership is not only measured by completed projects. It is also measured by the ability to imagine better possibilities, mobilize people, and create foundations for future transformation. Sustainable maritime infrastructure is not only about moving passengers. It is about strengthening communities, supporting local economies, protecting the environment, and improving quality of life. Our goal was never only to build a new terminal. Our goal was to build a better future for the people who depend on it every day. #ExecutiveLeadership #MaritimeIndustry #StrategicVision #SustainableInfrastructure #DigitalTransformation #SmartMobility

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