DP World slashes Dar port cargo handling time by 90pc

DAR ES SALAAM: CARGO handling efficiency at the Port of Dar es Salaam has received a major boost after DP World cut vessel discharge time by more than 90 per cent, reducing turnaround periods from over 300 hours to less than 28 hours.

According to information made available to this journalist by the Emirates News Agency (WAM), the improvement follows operational changes introduced after the company took over management of the terminal two years ago under a concession agreement.

The terminal operator said the adoption of modern roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) operations has enabled the port to handle larger and more complex vessels while reducing supply chain costs for traders and businesses.

The latest achievement was recorded in the first quarter of this year when the M/V RAMHAN became the longest vessel ever to call at Dar es Salaam Port.

The 240-metre vessel, with a capacity to carry up to 7,790 vehicles, discharged 779 car equivalent units (CEUs), mainly heavy-duty vehicles, in just over 27 hours.

DP World Tanzania Chief Executive Officer Martin Jacob explained that the operational changes had transformed cargo movement at the port and strengthened Tanzania’s position as a regional trade gateway.

ALSO READ: Sabasaba unlocks 129tri/- trade opportunities

“Over the past two years, we have fundamentally improved how cargo moves through the Port of Dar es Salaam. Faster turnaround, higher capacity and the ability to handle larger, more complex vessels are strengthening Tanzania’s position as a regional trade gateway to East Africa while delivering benefits for customers, businesses and the wider economy,” the country’s CEO said.

The shift to Pure Car and Truck Carrier (PCTC) operations, implemented in collaboration with the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA), has improved vehicle handling by enabling faster and safer discharge of heavy-duty cargo.

DP World Africa Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Mohammed Akoojee said continued investment in Dar es Salaam Port reflected the company’s commitment to supporting Africa’s trade growth and regional integration.

“Our continued investment in the Port of Dar es Salaam reflects DP World’s long-term commitment to Africa’s economic growth and integration into global trade networks,” Mr Akoojee observed.

He added that the partnership with TPA was helping modernise critical infrastructure, reduce trade barriers and create sustainable economic opportunities.

According to the operator, more than 2,900 Tanzanians are employed at the terminal, with workers receiving internationally recognised certifications and specialised training in port operations and emergency response.

Since taking over operations at the port, the concessionaire has introduced changes aimed at improving efficiency, increasing capacity and positioning Dar es Salaam as a regional trade hub. It has committed to invest more than US$500mn in modernising infrastructure, technology systems and operational processes during the concession period.

The firm has also focused on strengthening terminal capacity and logistics services, including container handling facilities, general cargo yards, grain handling infrastructure and export hub services to support growing trade volumes.

The company has reported increased container volumes at Dar es Salaam Port, with the facility handling more than one million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), while new shipping services have improved connectivity with international markets.

The improvements come as Tanzania seeks to strengthen Dar es Salaam Port as a strategic gateway for East and Central Africa, serving neighbouring landlocked countries, including Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Rwanda, Burundi and Malawi.