Vehicle imports surge as Tanga port fame rises

TANGA: VEHICLE cargo through the Port of Tanga has recorded remarkable growth, reinforcing the port’s rising profile as a safe and efficient gateway for both local and transit trade.

According to Acting Port Manager, Mr Peter Milanzi, a total of 9,665 vehicles were discharged at the port between August 2024 and July 2025, following the completion of a 439.1bn/- rehabilitation project that modernised the facility.

Mr Milanzi dismissed misleading reports circulating on social media about theft of vehicle parts, stressing that cargo safety is fully guaranteed at the port.

He attributed this to transparent inspection procedures, close involvement of agents and the short turnaround time in vessel unloading.

“This transparency has attracted many shipping agents to use Tanga Port. In that period alone, 45 vessels carrying vehicles docked here,” Mr Milanzi explained.

He added that the port is now handling vehicle consignments not only for Tanzania but also for Rwanda, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Zambia and as far as Zimbabwe.

Explaining the procedures, Mr Milanzi said once a vessel docks, port officers, shipping agents and surveyors jointly inspect vehicles and record their condition in VDITT forms before clearance.

“Some vehicles arrive with missing parts, but after inspections and when agents are satisfied with the records, they sign the forms. Similar procedures are followed when the vehicles are moved to storage,” he said.

He emphasised that the port has never received complaints of tampering or theft, citing the transparent systems in place. He also noted that regular stakeholder meetings are held to address emerging challenges and improve services.

Shipping agents have also praised the port’s operations.

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Mr Frank John, representative of InterTz Shipping Agency, which recently received 31 vehicles, said: “Since we started receiving vehicles through Tanga Port, we have never experienced or even heard of theft or tampering of vehicle parts.”

Mr Raymond Jumanne, from Nova Shipping Agency, echoed similar sentiments, saying; ““I have never encountered such problems here. The port’s services are excellent and unloading is fast.”

The surge in vehicle imports adds to a broader growth trend at Tanga Port. Since the expansion was completed, the port’s performance has surpassed expectations.

According to reports here, cargo handled rose from 470,611 tonnes before expansion to 1.19 million tonnes in 2023/24 and further to 1.42 million tonnes in 2024/25 an 11 per cent year-on-year increase.

The reports further show that vessel arrivals nearly doubled, reaching 458 ships in 2024/25, up from 307 in 2023/24.

Container traffic also expanded, with the port handling 9,026 TEUs in 2024/25, above the 7,817 TEUs handled a year earlier.

In just the first quarter of 2024/25, the port processed 333,643 tonnes, already surpassing the annual target.

These figures underline the port’s growing role as a reliable alternative to Dar es Salaam and even a competitor to Mombasa, strengthening Tanzania’s maritime sector and boosting trade links with the wider East and Central African region