Dar es Salaam Port Emerges as Key Economic Engine After Major Upgrades

Dar es Salaam – Tanzania’s Port of Dar es Salaam is now better positioned to drive regional trade and economic growth, thanks to extensive infrastructure improvements that have transformed it into a modern cargo hub capable of handling the largest ships operating in East and Central Africa. The port recently welcomed the MV MYNY, a Post Panamax vessel measuring 300 metres and carrying 6,840 containers with a gross tonnage of 75,201. This milestone highlights the port’s enhanced capacity and operational readiness, signaling a new era for trade efficiency in the region. “These upgrades reflect strategic government investment in modernising the port, and we can now handle mega-ships with confidence and speed,” said Captain Abdullah Mwingamno, Director of Marine and Port Operations at Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA). Under the Dar es Salaam Maritime Gateway Project (DMGP), launched in 2017, berths 1–7 have been deepened from 8 to 14.5 metres, and the turning basin expanded to 15 metres, enabling safe docking of larger vessels. The ship entrance channel has also been widened to accommodate wider-beam ships, improving navigational safety and throughput. Beyond dredging and channel expansion, investments have targeted modern port-handling technology. Equipment such as Ship-to-Shore Gantry Cranes, Rubber Tyred Gantry (RTG) Cranes, Reach Stackers, and modern forklifts have significantly reduced turnaround times, increasing operational efficiency and cargo flow. The 1.118 trillion/- DMGP investment, financed through World Bank loans, donor grants, and TPA’s internal revenues, also included: Upgrading berths 8–11 Construction of a dedicated RoRo berth Installation of a shore power system Integration of an internal rail network Economically, these upgrades strengthen Tanzania’s position as a regional logistics hub, attracting more trade and investment. Faster handling times, the ability to accommodate larger vessels, and improved connectivity mean lower shipping costs and enhanced competitiveness for Tanzanian businesses. With regional trade expected to grow, the Port of Dar es Salaam is now a critical driver of economic growth, supporting industrial development, job creation, and the expansion of East Africa’s import-export capacity. Tanzania’s strategic investment in port infrastructure demonstrates the government’s commitment to boosting trade, integrating regional markets, and positioning the country as a central economic gateway in East Africa.