Tanzania is poised to benefit significantly from a new direct shipping route between China and the Dar es Salaam Port, launched through the Korea Marine Transport Company Limited (KMTC). This direct service is expected to significantly reduce cargo transit time from China to Tanzania, decreasing it from six weeks (42 days) to three weeks (21 days), thereby enhancing the efficiency of Tanzania’s businesses.
The successful arrival of KMTC at the Dar es Salaam Port is attributed to the completion of the Dar es Salaam Maritime Gateway Project (DMGP), a USD 440.4 million which is approximately a TZS 1.12 trillion improvement initiative. This project facilitates the smooth access and docking of large vessels, like the KMTC, at the Dar es Salaam Port.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Prof. Godius Kahyarara, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Transport, highlighted the importance of the DMGP in attracting KMTC’s operations.
He emphasized that the new route represents a significant step for the port and a substantial opportunity for enhancing business ties between Tanzania and Asian countries.
“Dar es Salaam Port has to increase its efficiency as it now operates 24 hours a day to accommodate the growing number of large ships,” Prof. Kahyarara stated.
He further noted that the efficiency in cargo transportation is expected to further improve with the operationalization of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), enabling faster delivery of goods from ports to their final destinations.
Mr. Mrisho Selemani, the Director of Dar es Salaam Port, pointed to the recent arrival of several large ships, including the Emirates Shipping vessel, as evidence of the port’s growing capacity. He highlighted the significance of KMTC’s arrival, carrying 1,500 containers of cargo, as a substantial development benefiting both domestic businesses and clients in neighboring land-linked countries.
Mr. Neelakandan, General Manager of Rais Shipping Services Tanzania (RSS), expressed that having a direct shipping route from a major Chinese port to Dar es Salaam will not only reduce cargo transportation time but also ensure timely service for customers. The new shipping route is anticipated to stimulate trade and contribute to the economic development of Tanzania.