Tanzania’s shipping industry raises the anchor in style

MWANZA: FOR more than half a century, Tanzania’s national shipping company has ferried passengers and cargo across the country’s Great Lakes, quietly connecting communities, supporting trade and serving as a lifeline for millions. Today, however, the company is pursuing a far bigger ambition. It is preparing to sail beyond inland waters and compete on international ocean routes, marking one of the most significant transformations in its history.

That ambition became more visible in 2024 when Marine Services Company Limited (MSCL) officially rebranded as Tanzania Shipping Company Limited (TASHICO), reflecting a broader vision of expanding from inland maritime transport into international deep-sea shipping.

The name change was not merely cosmetic. It signalled a strategic shift aimed at positioning Tanzania as a stronger player in regional and global maritime trade while taking greater advantage of the country’s strategic location on the Indian Ocean and its growing transport infrastructure.

Throughout more than 50 years of service, TASHICO has played a vital role in connecting regions separated by Tanzania’s three Great Lakes of Victoria, Tanganyika and Nyasa by transporting both passengers and cargo while supporting commerce and regional integration.

Through Lake Victoria, the company links Mwanza, Mara, Kagera and Geita regions. On Lake Tanganyika, it connects Kigoma, Katavi and Rukwa, while Lake Nyasa serves Mbeya, Njombe and Ruvuma, ensuring that communities around these vast inland waters remain connected for both business and daily travel.

Its services extend beyond Tanzania’s borders as well. Through Lake Victoria, TASHICO operates international routes linking Tanzania with Uganda, Kenya and South Sudan. Lake Tanganyika provides connections to Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Zambia, while Lake Nyasa links Tanzania with Malawi and Mozambique.

This extensive network has enabled the company to become one of East Africa’s key providers of inland water transport, supporting regional trade and facilitating the movement of goods and people across national boundaries. Currently, TASHICO operates a fleet of 19 vessels spread across the three lakes. Ten vessels serve Lake Victoria, four operate on Lake Tanganyika and five on Lake Nyasa.

Its fleet also includes two oil tankers, three cargo vessels, one tugboat, two self-propelled barges and a tourist boat operating within the Great Lakes system. Some of these vessels carry remarkable historical significance. Among the oldest is MV Liemba on Lake Tanganyika, whose origins date back to the early 20th century and which remains one of Africa’s most famous passenger ships. At the other end of the spectrum stands MV Mwanza, the company’s newest flagship on Lake Victoria. Construction of the vessel began in 2019, representing a major investment in modern maritime infrastructure.

MV Mwanza has quickly become a symbol of Tanzania’s maritime ambitions. Measuring 92.6 metres long, 17 metres wide and standing about 20 metres high, the vessel combines impressive engineering with practical utility.

Designed to carry up to 1,200 passengers alongside 400 tonnes of cargo, including 20 motor vehicles, MV Mwanza serves as an important commercial bridge across Lake Victoria while significantly improving passenger safety, comfort and transport efficiency.

Yet despite these achievements on inland waters, TASHICO has always harboured an even bigger dream—to venture into ocean shipping.

That vision took a decisive step forward on June 15 this year when TASHICO signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Democratic Republic of Congo-based Lignes Maritimes Congolaises (LMC) during a ceremony in Mwanza.

The agreement is expected to pave the way for cooperation in international maritime transport, logistics, infrastructure development and investment between the two national shipping companies.

According to TASHICO Executive Director Eric Hamissi, the partnership will significantly accelerate Tanzania’s entry into global shipping because LMC already possesses extensive experience in ocean transport and cargo logistics connecting Central African markets with the Atlantic Ocean.

Rather than spending years learning independently, Tanzania will benefit from LMC’s operational experience, technical expertise and established maritime networks.

“Initially, we are starting with chartered ships for global routes, probably next month because we have nothing else to wait for after signing this memorandum,” Mr Hamissi explained.

Using chartered vessels allows the company to begin international operations immediately while preparing for more permanent investments. The cooperation does not end there.

Mr Hamissi revealed that both countries intend to jointly construct vessels specifically designed for international shipping. The partnership also includes shared use of maritime infrastructure, including shipyards, creating opportunities for technology transfer, skills development and reduced operational costs.

For Tanzania, the arrangement represents an important step towards building long-term capacity in ocean shipping while strengthening its domestic maritime industry.

Mr Hamissi said available cargo statistics clearly demonstrate why closer cooperation between the two countries makes economic sense.

By July 2025, the Port of Dar es Salaam had handled approximately 32.75 million tonnes of cargo. Of that volume, about 20.1 million tonnes served Tanzania’s domestic market, while roughly 5.9 million tonnes were destined for the Democratic Republic of Congo.

These figures illustrate the strong commercial relationship between Tanzania and the DRC and highlight how closely the two economies depend on efficient transport and logistics systems.

Given the magnitude of this trade, Mr Hamissi believes national shipping companies from both countries should participate more actively throughout the international cargo transportation value chain instead of relying heavily on foreign operators.

The three-year Memorandum of Understanding therefore aims to strengthen not only maritime transport but also trade, investment and broader economic cooperation between the neighbouring countries.

Mr Hamissi expressed appreciation to both governments for creating an enabling policy environment that allowed the partnership to emerge. “We express our gratitude to the two governments for creating the enabling environment. This cooperation originated from the institutional needs of both countries,” he said.

Through the agreement, Tanzania expects to maximise the advantages of its strategic geographical position by integrating the Port of Dar es Salaam, the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), marine transport and regional markets into one efficient logistics system.

Such integration is expected to enhance Tanzania’s competitiveness, attract additional investment, generate employment, increase government revenue and create new opportunities for skills development among Tanzanians.

The agreement also supports TASHICO’s broader strategy of expanding cargo transportation through ocean shipping while strengthening national capacity in the maritime sector.

According to Mr Hamissi, the initiative aligns closely with Tanzania’s Development Vision 2050, which seeks to position the country as a commercial, logistics, transport and maritime services hub for East and Central Africa.

The partnership is also expected to increase national participation in international cargo transportation, reduce dependence on foreign shipping companies, retain more transport revenues within the region and build professional expertise across the maritime industry.

Additional anticipated benefits include strengthening the competitiveness of the Port of Dar es Salaam as Central Africa’s preferred maritime gateway while laying the foundation for integrated transport services linking ports, railways and shipping operations.

Representing LMC, Dr Frank Mukulu described the Memorandum of Understanding as much more than a routine administrative exercise.

He said the agreement marked an important milestone in strengthening economic and commercial relations between Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

According to Dr Mukulu, the partnership reflects the shared determination of both countries to establish a strategic alliance covering maritime transport, inland waterways, logistics, regional trade and transport infrastructure development.

“Our companies share a common vision to build a modern, efficient and integrated transport system capable of meeting the growing needs of economic operators, lakeside communities and our region,” he said.