The Dar es Salaam Port has reported a significant upswing in cargo traffic, with the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) attributing this achievement to a robust marketing strategy deployed both locally and internationally.
Between October and November of the previous year, the number of ship calls at the country's principal port surged to 317, marking a substantial increase from the 274 ship calls recorded during the same period in 2022. The cargo handling at Dar es Salaam Port during this time also experienced a notable rise, reaching 4,016,007 tonnes, an 11.8% increase from the 3,590,854 tonnes reported in 2022.
Nicodemus Mushi, TPA’s Public Relations and Communication Manager, expressed his contentment, stating that the surge in cargo traffic is a positive development. He emphasized that the port is operating at full capacity to meet the market's demands for goods imported from overseas.
Mushi attributed the success to extensive marketing campaigns conducted both locally and internationally. He commented, "Our goal in advertising has always been to attract more clients, and we are grateful that an increasing number of customers are choosing our ports."
According to Mushi, the increased cargo traffic validates TPA’s maritime, operational, and logistics capabilities, showcasing its efficiency, readiness, and capacity to handle a growing number of ships.
The Dar es Salaam Port underwent a significant upgrade through the $357 million Dar es Salaam Maritime Gateway Project (DMGP), a venture financed by the Tanzanian government, the World Bank, and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office. The DMGP supported the reconstruction and deepening of berths 1–7 to 14.5 meters, enabling the port to accommodate large vessels comfortably compared to the average 8-meter draft before the expansion.
Mushi highlighted that these upgrades have brought substantial changes to operations at Dar Port, playing a crucial role in the economies of neighboring countries such as Burundi, Rwanda, Zambia, Malawi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The Dar es Salaam Port has also played a pivotal role in major national projects, including the East African Crude Oil Project (EACOP), the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project (JNHP), and the Standard Gauge Railways (SGR) Project.
Acknowledging the challenges associated with increased cargo traffic, TPA has implemented various measures to ensure efficiency. These include working beyond regular hours, extending shifts for workers, and operating 24/7 during the holiday season. Additionally, the Ports Authority has invested in new cargo handling machines, equipment, and technologies to enhance efficiency. Collaborations with service providers and government agencies aim to minimize delays for port customers, ensuring a streamlined operation even during peak times.