  We compute, in SU(3) pure gauge theory, the vacuum expectation value (vev) of
the operator which creates a $Z_3$ vortex wrapping the lattice through periodic
boundary conditions (dual Polyakov line). The technique used is the same
already tested in the SU(2) case. The dual Polyakov line proves to be a good
disorder parameter for confinement, and has a similar behaviour to the monopole
condensate. The new features which characterise the construction of the
disorder operator in SU(3) are emphasised.
