Azam launches faster, more efficient Kigamboni ferries

Dar es Salaam. Commuters and residents of Kigamboni can finally breathe a sigh of relief as Azam Marine's collaboration with the Technical and Electrical Services Agency (Temesa) ushers in a new era of seamless connectivity between Kigamboni and Magogoni.

The transformative Sh5.98 billion investment is set to tackle longstanding transport challenges, offering a faster, more efficient and more comfortable ferry service.

The cornerstone of this initiative is the introduction of two brand new ferries. According to Azam Marine Limited managing director, Abubakar Aziz Salim, the ferries boast a superior capacity, each capable of transporting 250 passengers at a time.

This significant increase translates to a substantial reduction in wait times, with passengers expecting to spend less than five minutes waiting for a ferry, compared to the previous wait time of approximately 45 minutes.

In addition to these two ferries, Salim said four more ferry taxi are under construction and are expected to start operations before May, 2025.

“The two ferries will operate from 5:00 am to 11:00 pm, with an estimated capacity to serve around 5,000 passengers per hour. Once the other four ferries start operating will transport 50,000 passengers daily, create 60 direct employment and 30 indirect,” he said.

According to Salim, Azam Marine's commitment to improved service extends beyond just adding more ferries. The new vessels are specifically designed for passenger transportation, and constructed from special aluminum for durability and efficiency.

Furthermore, each ferry is equipped with two engines, adhering to Tanzania Shipping Agencies Corporation (TASAC) safety standards.

“These ferries were built at the Songoro Marine shipyard in Dar es Salaam,” he said. In addition to the ferries a new passenger reception and waiting areas have been constructed to provide a more comfortable and organised experience for commuters.

There are also plans to introduce additional docking areas on both sides to enable up to three ferries to operate simultaneously.

Salim also noted that Azam Marine Ltd has directly created 470 jobs and serves two million passengers annually across mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar. He explained that, on average, they currently serve 5,000 passengers daily, and with their current fleet, they can handle up to 12,000 passengers per day.

Salim further revealed that the company has invested Sh250 billion between 2010 and 2024 in the marine service sector.

Temesa’s Executive Director, Lazaro Kilahala said that the partnership agreement which is valued at Sh5.98 billion include the installation of gates and a fare collection system and waiting rooms. He noted that passengers on Azam’s ferry taxi will be charged Sh500 per trip.

"Now, residents of Kigamboni will have the freedom to choose which ferry they prefer to use for crossing," he said.

He also mentioned that Temesa is continuing with the renovation of the MV Kigamboni ferry, which is currently 10 percent complete while the MV Magogoni has reached 55 percent with the total renovation cost reaching Sh23.04 billion.

The minister for Works, Abdallah Ulega, said the presence of private sector ferries will not do away with government-operated ferries but will instead give passengers more options.

He emphasised that the existing ferries should be inspected regularly, which is why they are required for maintenance whenever necessary.

The government's goal, is to increase the number of passengers being transported in the area from the current 60,000 to 70,000.

Mr Ulega urged Azam Marine to further explore further opportunities for investing in ferry services across all the country's lakes such as Nyasa and Lake Victoria and other related areas.

"I solemnly request Azam Marine to invest, the time to do so is now," he said.

He urged fishermen in the area to carry out their activities without interfering with ferry routes.

He called on regulatory authorities to conduct regular inspections to ensure cleanliness and to protect ferries from damage caused by items like fishing nets.

On his part, the Chairman of the parliamentary committee on Infrastructure, Suleiman Kakoso, urged the government to give local experts opportunities to handle ferry maintenance.

"We urge the government to invest more and give local investors opportunities to help grow the economy," he said.