By Frank Kimboy, The Citizen Reporter
Dar es Salaam. Users and operators of the Dar es Salaam port have signed an agreement for reducing cargo congestion.Under the new agreement signed in Dar es Salaam yesterday, the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) and Tanzania International Container Terminal Services (TICS) will be allowed to transport over stayed containers to Inland Container Depots (ICDs).

Prior to the new move only shipping agents and cargo owners were allowed to do so.

Signing the agreement yesterday were TPA, TICTS, Tanzania Shipping Agents Association (Tasaa), Tanzania Freight Forwarders Association (on behalf of cargo owners) and the Container Inland Depot Association of Tanzania (CIDAT).
Speaking afterwards, the TPA director general, Mr Ephraim Mgawe, said he was optimistic that by allowing TPA and TICTS to transport overstayed cargo would reduce congestion and increase efficiency at the port.

“People have been complaining about the Dar es Salaam port’s inefficiency that has led to cargo congestion. But with this new move we are giving teeth to two key players, and I am sure the problem will be addressed in a large way,” he said.

Explaining how the system will work, Mr Mgawe said TPA would contract various ICDs to remove overstaying containers from the port. According to him, the cost of removing and storing the containers at the ICDs will be met by cargo owners. Apart from removing the overstaying cargo, TPA and TICTS can also be contracted by owners to transport the containers, Mr Mgawe said.

“Apart from shipping agents and cargo owners, TICTS and us are entering into the transport market, something which will increase competition and hence efficiency,” he said.

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