Dar Port handles bigger ships after major upgrades

For the first time in its history, the port handled the Mv. MYNY, a Post Panamax ship with a carrying capacity of 75,201 tonnes and loaded with 6,840 containers.

According to the Director of Marine and Port Operations, Captain Abdullah Mwingamno, the docking of such a large vessel is proof that the port now has the capacity to handle modern mega-ships.

“These achievements are the result of extensive infrastructure upgrades undertaken by the Government through TPA. We want to assure our customers and stakeholders that the Port of Dar es Salaam now has the capability to efficiently handle large, modern vessels,” he said.

The upgrades have included both infrastructure and equipment investments. The Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) has acquired modern cargo-handling machinery, including Ship-to-Shore Gantry Cranes (STS), Rubber Tyred Gantry Cranes (RTG), Reach Stackers, and advanced forklifts. These are expected to speed up cargo loading and offloading, reducing vessel turnaround time.

Under the DMGP, berths 1–7 were strengthened and deepened from 8 metres to 14.5 metres, while the turning basin was dredged to 15 metres to accommodate larger vessels. The entrance channel was also widened and deepened to allow ships with greater beam to dock without difficulty.

The Sh1.118 trillion project, funded through a World Bank loan, donor support, and TPA’s internal revenues, has also delivered a new berth dedicated to vehicle carriers (RoRo Berth) and reinforced berths 8–11 by increasing depth from 12 metres to 14.5 metres.

Other improvements include the upgrading of the internal railway network and installation of a modern electricity system at the port.

With these investments, officials say, Dar es Salaam Port is better placed to compete with other ports in East and Central Africa, strengthening Tanzania’s standing as a trade and cargo transit hub.