In a significant move aimed at enhancing efficiency at the Port of Mtwara, the Tanzanian government has introduced two additional mobile harbour cranes, geared towards improving productivity and minimizing vessel waiting times.
The arrival of the new equipment, sourced from Tanga and Dar es Salaam Ports, was announced yesterday, following directives from President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan to the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) in September 2023. During her visit to the port, President Hassan emphasized the need to provide necessary tools to Mtwara Port, the deepest and second-largest port in the country, to bolster productivity.
Nicodemus Mushi, the Public Relations and Communication Manager for TPA, spoke to the press on behalf of the Director General, highlighting that the two mobile harbour cranes align with President Hassan's directive to equip the port with the necessary facilities for enhanced services.
"The arrival of the two mobile harbour cranes follows the directives issued by President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan to TPA in September 2023, to ensure the port of Mtwara is provided with all the required facilities to enable it to provide more services," said Mr. Mushi.
He added that these cranes, transferred from Tanga and Dar es Salaam Ports, will contribute to improved efficiency at Mtwara Port, attracting more customers to utilize the strategic terminal.
Humphrey Kiwia, representing the Director of Engineering Services at TPA, stated that the two mobile cranes boast capacities of handling 100 and 63 tonnes of cargo, respectively. The addition brings the total number of mobile harbour cranes at Mtwara Port to three.
Acting Manager of Mtwara Port, Mr. Duncan Kazibure, expressed confidence that these facilities would lead to an expansion of port services. Following substantial investments, the Mtwara Port now can handle 1,000,000 tonnes of cargo annually, with plans to increase this capacity to 1.2 million tonnes per year, according to Mr Kazibure.
President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, during her visit in September 2023, pledged increased budget allocation for the continuous improvement of Mtwara Port. She envisioned the port becoming a major water gateway, serving as an economic engine for the Southern Zone and neighbouring countries. President Hassan encouraged the TPA management to work diligently, emphasizing the potential for Mtwara Port to rival the renowned Dar es Salaam Port in stature and functionality.