Dar Port hits record 27.7 million tonnes

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) has announced that the Port of Dar es Salaam handled a record of 27.7 million tonnes of cargo in the 2024/25 financial year.

The figure represents an upward surge from 18 million tonnes in 2021/22, a historic performance credited to enhanced infrastructure, modern equipment and increased private-sector involvement.

Speaking on behalf of TPA Director General Plasduce Mbossa, Acting Dar es Salaam Port Director Abed Gallus , said the port’s growth reflects consistent government investment and effective partnerships with private operators.

“This represents a 15 per cent annual growth, a level not achieved since the port’s inception,” Mr Gallus stated, noting: “Since operators DP World and Tanzania East Africa Gateway Terminal Limited (TEAGTL) joined, capacity has grown from 23.69 million tonnes in 2023/24 to 27.7 million tonnes in 2024/25.”

A key driver of this transformation has been the Dar es Salaam Maritime Gateway Project (DMGP), which included deepening and reinforcing the harbour to 14.5 metres, allowing for larger, heavier vessels.

“The average service time for a container ship has dropped from ten days to around three days. That time saving has had a ripple effect across the entire trade corridor, from factory floors to retail shelves,” said Mr Gallus.

Larger vessels are now making port calls, thanks to the increased draft and improved scheduling. For instance, mixedcargo ships previously carrying 15,000 tonnes are now arriving with up to 50,000 tonnes and bulk grain vessels have reached 65,000 tonnes, setting a new benchmark.

Mr Gallus stressed Dar es Salaam Port’s strategic importance, processing over 95 per cent of Tanzania’s seaborne cargo.

He noted that every operational improvement has a direct impact on national economic performance through lower logistics costs and greater delivery predictability.

The public-private partnership model is at the heart of these gains. DP World manages Berths 0–7, while TEAGTL oversees Berths 8–11.

ALSO READ: Dar port unlocks new era of efficiency with digital leap

“This approach has improved equipment uptime, night-shift output and berth scheduling discipline,” Gallus said.

The port added nearly 4 million tonnes of cargo in just one year, up from 23.69 million tonnes in 2023/24, a feat Mr Gallus attributed to the sixth-phase government’s emphasis on port reform and stronger private-sector engagement.

To sustain progress, the TPA is focusing on routine maintenance, digital system integration and streamlined documentation processes to ensure that gains at the yard level are matched by faster clearance.

“As volumes increase, we’ve also diverted some cargo to the Kwala Dry Port to ease yard congestion and city traffic,” he explained, adding; “Transit cargo is already being moved there by rail.”

However, he stressed that the primary role of the Dar es Salaam Port remains fast shipto-shore operations, with inland facilities supporting that mission.

Mr Gallus extended appreciation to both public and private partners, while urging businesses to make full use of the improved port infrastructure: “We call on clients and stakeholders to continue using the port of Dar es Salaam. With the capacity and efficiency now in place, we can together drive both business success and national development.”

The TPA plans to continue publishing performance data and engaging stakeholders to drive continuous improvement.

“Our task is to maintain this rhythm through peak seasons and challenging weather,” Mr Gallus said, insisting; “If we maintain the depth, the discipline and the tempo, Dar es Salaam Port will set a new standard for the national economy.”