Tanga Port investment attracts mega ships

TANGA: THE multibillion-shilling investment in Tanga Port is paying off, with large ships calling directly from abroad.

This is a watershed moment in the port’s history, cementing its position as a major logistics hub in the region.

Recently, Seafront Shipping Services Limited (SSS) successfully launched the first general cargo vessel, transporting approximately 14,000 metric tonnes of goods from China to Tanga Port.

The 200-metre-long ‘MV Annegrit’ arrived last week after a 21-day journey from Guangdong, marking an important milestone for the port.

Deputy Minister for Transport, David Kihenzile, led Tanzanian officials and a large crowd of Tanga residents in welcoming the ship.

Speaking at the event, Mr Neelakandan CJ General Manager of Seafront Shipping Services, highlighted the occasion’s significance.

“This is the first time such a large volume of vehicles over 500 units and other general cargo, both for local and transit destinations, has been discharged at Tanga Port.

The cargo is destined for various countries, including Zambia, Zimbabwe, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Malawi, Rwanda and others,” he said.

Neelakandan also revealed plans for three to four additional general cargo ships to arrive at Tanga Port in August 2024, signalling a steady increase in direct international shipping traffic to the port.

“This achievement is a pivotal moment for the Port of Tanga and we anticipate receiving numerous transit cargoes in the future. Traders, logistics providers, clearing agents and local business communities are set to benefit greatly from these direct vessel calls,” he added.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Transport, Professor Godius Kahyarara praised the direct calls from China as a result of the government under President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan’s efforts to address shipping challenges.

He noted that just three months ago, container prices from China had skyrocketed from 3,000 US dollars to 7,000 US dollars, but the introduction of direct calls has helped stabilise costs.

“The government is enhancing Tanga Port to alleviate congestion at Dar es Salaam Port. has also completed upgrades to the railway line connecting the Central Line to Tanga Port through Ruvu Station.

There’s no reason for businesses to delay; they should start using Tanga Port now,” Professor Kahyarara emphasised.

Deputy Minister Kihenzile described the event as historic, attributing it to the significant improvements made at Tanga Port, which now allows larger ships to dock.

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He commended Seafront Shipping Services for initiating direct calls to the port, urging more shipping agencies to utilise its facilities, which are now capable of handling bigger vessels.

“The government’s investment is paying off, as evidenced by the increase in ship traffic at Tanga Port from 118 ships in 2019/20 to 307 in 2022/23,” Kihenzeli noted.

He also mentioned that Minister of Transport, Professor Makame Mbarawa, has requested Seafront to outline their plans to increase the number of ships calling at Tanzanian ports to 100.

“The Minister is eager to see how the government can support your plans. However, the volume of cargo destined for Tanga is still not sufficient compared to the expanded capacity of the port,” Kihenzeli added.

Furthermore, Kihenzeli reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving marine transport across Tanzania, including the construction of new ships for Lakes Tanganyika and Victoria, the rehabilitation of older vessels and the enhancement of all ports in the country to meet the growing market demands in the Central African region.

He highlighted the potential market in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which is 10 million tons, though only a quarter is currently being served.

The Zambian market, with a capacity of 7 million tonnes, is also underutilised, with only 2.2 million tons being handled.

Tanga Regional Commissioner, Ambassador Dr Batilda Buriani, expressed gratitude to the government of Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan for facilitating the expansion and improvement of Tanga Port.

“In a very short time, we’ve seen an increase in revenue, business and employment. I hope the direct calls from Chinese ports will further expand trade opportunities, reduce transportation costs and shorten delivery times,” Dr Buriani said, urging Seafront Limited to bring more ships to Tanga.