Largest cargo ship sets new record at Dar port

DAR ES SALAAM: DAR ES SALAAM port yesterday received the largest cargo vessel ever measuring 294.12 metres in length carrying 4,000 containers, thanks to the significant expansion of the port and improved efficiency.

Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) General Cargo Manager, Mr Abed Gallus Abed representing the Director General, Plasduce Mbossa, said that the ship docked at the Dar es Salaam port with a total of 4000 containers. But the vessel has the capacity to carry up to 4,700 containers.

“Due to the improvement carried out at the port, we can now accommodate big vessels like this one, we are looking forward to receiving more ships of this kind in future,” he said.

He said the improvement of infrastructures that involved dredging of the port’s depth, widening of entrance channel to the berth, including availing modern cargo handling equipment has led to the arrival of the first largest container ship in Dar es Salaam which is expected to open doors for other companies to use the marine terminal.

Mr Abed said the deepening of the depth from 12.7 metres to 14.5 metres now facilitates the docking of large ships at the port.

He said: “When you receive a large ship like this one, it means there is an increase in cargo and a reduction in shipping costs because the transportation costs of large ships are more affordable than those of regular ships.”

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Mr Abed said due to the investment made by the new investor, DP World, the port is set to improve performance due to the availability of modern machines that facilitate cargo handling operations at the port.

“With such kind of ship, it is obvious TPA is going to make more money and Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) is going to enjoy tax collections,” he noted.

The successful docking and handling of such a massive vessel showcase the port’s improved capabilities, encouraging more international shipping companies to consider Dares-Salaam as a viable destination.

Mr Abed said it will take five days for the whole cargo to be offloaded, including loading containers before its departure.