The Dar es Salaam Port has entered a new era of operational excellence, marked by its ability to accommodate large cargo vessels.
This achievement reflects the vision and leadership of President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan and her Sixth Phase Government, which has prioritized strategic investments to enhance Tanzania's critical infrastructure.
Under President Samia’s administration, the Dar es Salaam Port has undergone extensive modernization through the Dar es Salaam Maritime Gateway Project (DSMGP).
This flagship project, funded by the Government of Tanzania in partnership with the World Bank, TradeMark East Africa (TMEA), and other stakeholders, has significantly boosted the port's efficiency, capacity, and competitiveness.
Key improvements include expanding and deepening berths to accommodate larger vessels, acquiring modern cargo-handling equipment, channel dredging to a depth of 15.5 meters, and infrastructure enhancements connecting the port to inland transport networks.
Speaking during the reception of the EverGreen Line Group vessel from China, with a capacity of over 4,000 containers, Mussa Biboze, TPA’s Fire and Safety Manager, emphasized the transformative impact of these investments.
Representing TPA Director-General Plasduce Mbossa, he noted how the upgrades have attracted global shipping lines, reduced congestion, and improved operational efficiency, making the Dar es Salaam Port a preferred gateway for international trade.
The private sector has also recognized these achievements. Mohamed Lotfy, Manager of EverGreen Line Group's Tanzania branch, highlighted the shift from smaller to larger vessels, made possible by the port’s modernization.
“Previously, we used smaller vessels for our operations in Tanzania. Today, thanks to the investments and upgrades, we can deploy larger ships like the EverGreen, enabling us to transport more cargo efficiently,” he said.
Donald Talawa, Manager of Business and Relations at Tanzania East Africa Gateway Terminal Ltd., described the development as a landmark achievement.
He emphasized that accommodating such a large vessel demonstrates the port's readiness to compete with global ports and positions Tanzania as a leading trade hub in the region.
The modernization of the Dar es Salaam Port is poised to catalyze economic growth across East Africa.
By handling larger cargo volumes more efficiently, the port strengthens Tanzania’s role as a regional trade gateway, serving landlocked neighbors like Zambia, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
This milestone underscores the government’s broader agenda to modernize infrastructure, enhance economic performance, and establish Tanzania as a vital link in the global supply chain.
The Dar es Salaam Port now stands as a symbol of progress and a cornerstone of the nation's development aspirations.