Dar es Salaam Merchant Group (DMG) has announced the successful completion of the validation workshop for the consultancy project titled Provision of Consultancy Services for a Feasibility Study for TASHICO to Venture into Short Sea Shipping in the Indian Ocean.
The workshop convened a broad range of key stakeholders to review and deliberate on the findings of the study, which assesses strategic opportunities for the Tanzania Shipping Company Limited (TASHICO) to expand its operations beyond inland lake transport into regional short sea shipping across the Indian Ocean.
The proposed expansion aligns with Tanzania’s wider maritime development agenda, aimed at strengthening regional connectivity, facilitating trade, and positioning the country as a competitive logistics hub in East Africa and the Indian Ocean region.
The feasibility study was undertaken using a rigorous methodology that combined qualitative and quantitative research.
Data was collected across more than nine jurisdictions, including Tanzania, Kenya, Comoros, Mauritius, Seychelles, Madagascar, Réunion, and Mayotte.
The analysis provides evidence-based guidance on the most viable cargo segments for short sea shipping, identifies optimal and economically feasible shipping routes, recommends appropriate vessel types and specifications, and presents detailed cost implications covering capital investment, operational expenditure, and lifecycle costs.
The validation workshop was chaired by Mr. Maseke Mabiki, Director of Policy and Planning at the Ministry of Transport.
Eng. Shomari Shomari, Director of Transport Infrastructure, represented the Permanent Secretary and delivered a keynote address on behalf of the ministry’s leadership, emphasizing the strategic importance of maritime transport in national development.
Participation in the workshop reflected strong multi-sectoral engagement, with representatives drawn from numerous government agencies, regulators, financial institutions, and development partners.
These included, among others, the Ministry of Transport, TASAC, LATRA, TPA, TCAA, DMI, the Ministry of Finance, TASAA, TSC, TIB, CRDB, NMB, MOFA, the EAC Secretariat, the PPP Centre, TMA, CCT, TFAMOTI, TISEZA, TADB, TATOA, GIZ, EWURA, TANROADS, and the World Bank.
Stakeholders offered constructive feedback and practical recommendations, which DMG will integrate into the final version of the report. Participants unanimously commended TASHICO for its forward-looking vision and praised DMG for producing a comprehensive, professional, and well-substantiated study.
In principle, the workshop endorsed the report and its key conclusions, signaling strong institutional support for TASHICO’s prospective entry into short sea shipping.
This achievement highlights DMG’s continued commitment to delivering high-impact consultancy services that support sustainable growth in Tanzania’s maritime and infrastructure sectors.
Through robust research, regional insight, and inclusive stakeholder engagement, DMG continues to assist clients such as TASHICO in unlocking new avenues for growth and regional integration.
“We extend our sincere appreciation to the Ministry of Transport, the leadership of TASHICO, and all participating stakeholders for their collaboration and enthusiasm. Together, we are charting a promising course for Tanzania’s maritime future,” said the Managing Director of DMG.
