Tanzania’s MV Victoria resumes operations

MWANZA: MV VICTORIA Hapa Kazi Tu operations resume tomorrow, 22 May, from Mwanza to Bukoba, after undergoing repairs for almost two months since March 11 this year.

Tanzania Shipping Company Limited (Tashico), confirmed today through Michael Lushinge, the CCM Regional Chairman who lauded the government’s efforts in facilitating the ship’s repairs.

“The residents of the Lake Zone regions, mostly traders, have been making regular phone calls to know what was wrong with the ship.

 “It is because marine transport charges are affordable, very friendly to their businesses, mostly transportation of agricultural products to Mwanza and industrial goods to Bukoba, among other benefits,” he said.

MV Victoria Chief Captain, Mr Adam Mwisungu, said that the repair was according to the International Marine Convention that requires Ship rehabilitations every after two and half years.

 They involved engine overhaul, navigation system and other machines’ repair, plus small activities like re-painting, he said.

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“It has undergone Lake trials four times before restarting upon approval from the relevant Tanzania Shipping Agency Corporation. The ship is stable.

“The ship speed has also been increased from nautical miles 13.5 to 14.8 per hour. In simple language, one nautical mile is equivalent to 1.85 kilometers,” he said.