The Tanzanian government has expressed satisfaction with the increased efficiency and reliability of the Dar es Salaam port, noting that large modern vessels can now dock following significant investments to deepen the harbor. These upgrades enable Tanzania to receive ships measuring up to 305 meters in length, a milestone in the nation’s maritime capacity.
Government spokesperson Gerson Msigwa highlighted that these achievements are the result of major investments, which have also reduced shipping costs for traders handling large or bulk cargo. Previously, oversized vessels had to be offloaded in phases due to the port’s inability to accommodate them.
“I am standing here, and behind me you can see the Galaxy S, capable of carrying over 6,000 vehicles, and another ship delivering wheat with a capacity of 60,000 tonnes at once. Previously, these vessels could not dock here as our berths were too short to handle their size,” Mr. Msigwa said.
He added, “The extensive work carried out by our government now allows us to receive vessels as long as 305 meters. This capacity not only enables Tanzania to handle larger ships but also directly supports the economy by reducing shipping costs for goods.”
In December 2025, the Ministry of Transport reported that Dar es Salaam port broke records by receiving the MSC Stella, a container vessel measuring 304.40 meters in length from Jebel Ali, Dubai. The arrival of the vessel strengthened Tanzania’s international maritime reputation, demonstrated the growing efficiency of its ports, and confirmed the country’s readiness to serve modern, global-standard shipping traffic.
The upgrades reflect a broader strategy to position Tanzanian ports as competitive regional hubs capable of accommodating high-capacity vessels while supporting trade flows across East Africa and beyond. Analysts note that enhanced port capacity can accelerate import and export operations, lower logistical costs, and boost Tanzania’s standing as a gateway for regional trade.
With these improvements, Dar es Salaam port now ranks among Africa’s most capable ports in terms of handling large-scale vessels, signaling a step forward in supporting the nation’s trade ambitions and integrating Tanzania more effectively into the global maritime economy.