Dar Port’s plan to handle record year-end surge

Among the flagship initiatives is the rollout of a fixed berthing window system at berths 8 to 11, managed by Tanzania East Africa Gateway Terminal Limited.

The system, introduced this year, enables vessels to be scheduled more effectively, reducing uncertainty in arrival times and easing congestion.

TPA director general Plasduce Mbossa told The Citizen yesterday that the new approach is already delivering results.

“This initiative allows for better planning and scheduling of vessel arrivals, significantly reducing port congestion. Ships know exactly when they will dock and this predictability is transforming operations,” he said.

The changes come against the backdrop of a remarkable year for Dar es Salaam Port. The port closed the 2024/25 financial year with a record cargo throughput of 27.7 million tonnes—a 15 percent increase from the previous year’s 23.69 million tonnes and the highest in its history.

The latest figure also represents a dramatic leap from just 18 million tonnes handled in 2021/22. According to TPA, the surge reflects ongoing infrastructure upgrades, operational reforms and improved service speeds that have helped attract more shipping lines and cargo owners.

At berths 0 to 7, managed by global logistics giant DP World, capacity is being further boosted with the acquisition of two new ship-to-shore gantry cranes, raising the total to five.

The investment is expected to accelerate container handling and cut vessel turnaround times, easing the flow of goods during the high season.

Inland connectivity remains a priority. TPA is working closely with Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC) to strengthen links to the Kwala Dry Port.

Two refurbished locomotives are expected to be operational by October, providing additional rail capacity for container transfers away from the congested city centre.

Construction of the Kurasini Logistics Centre, a key supporting facility, is also progressing. The centre, now 40 percent complete, will provide dedicated cargo handling space and reduce pressure on port storage yards.

Mr Mbossa said these improvements will only deliver full benefits if cargo owners and clearing agents also play their part.

“To ensure that infrastructure gains translate into smoother operations, we are calling on stakeholders to expedite collection of goods. Frequent engagement meetings are ongoing to coordinate logistics and avoid bottlenecks during the busy months ahead.”

For transporters, the anticipated surge is both a challenge and an opportunity. Tanzania Truck Owners Association (Tatoa) chairman Elias Lukumay told The Citizen that members were gearing up to ensure cargo movement is seamless.

“We appreciate the significant improvements made at the port. The rising cargo volumes present a great opportunity for transporters,” he said.

Mr Lukumay noted that while the sector still faces hurdles, including the difficulty of securing return cargo on outward journeys, major progress has been made.

“Many lorries return empty after delivering goods to neighbouring countries, which is costly. But efforts are underway to establish return load routes. At the same time, improved port efficiency and upgraded road networks are attracting new investment in the transport sector.”

The year-end shipping season, which typically begins in September and runs through February, has always been a critical test for Dar es Salaam Port. This period coincides with traders importing goods ahead of the Chinese New Year and the festive season.

The port, serving as a gateway for landlocked countries such as Zambia, Malawi, Burundi, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, also experiences a spike in traffic due to booming mining activities and expanding economies in the region.

Also known as Spring Festival or Lunar New Year, the Chinese New Year, marks the beginning of a new year on the traditional lunisolar Chinese calendar.

It is one of the most important holidays in Chinese culture and was placed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list in 2024. Its actual date fluctuates on the western calendar but comes in either January or February.

In 2026, Chinese New Year falls on Tuesday 17 February. The holiday will be on Saturday, February 6, 2027.

TPA officials and industry stakeholders alike say the coordinated upgrades across terminals, rail and road networks will ensure the country is better prepared than ever.

“Dar es Salaam is witnessing a transformation. The foundation is being laid not just for this year’s peak season, but for sustained growth that will keep Tanzania competitive in regional and global trade.”