Kwala Dry Port to handle over 300,000 cargo containers annually
What you need to know:
- By reducing operating costs, the inland port aims to attract more customers to utilize the Port of Dar es Salaam, thereby bolstering its competitiveness within the Indian Ocean region.
The Tanzania Port Authority (TPA) has revealed that the Kwala Dry Port, situated in the Coast Region, is poised to accommodate a staggering 300,395 cargo containers yearly, destined for neighboring countries.
The update comes from a recent statement by TPA's Director General, Plasduce Mbossa, regarding the ongoing construction progress of the port, which has already begun receiving cargo containers.
According to the statement, the dry port is equipped to manage 823 containers daily, contributing to a significant annual capacity equivalent to 30 percent of all containers currently serviced by the Port of Dar es Salaam.
TPA has taken measures to ensure smooth operations, having secured a dry port license from the Tanzania Shipping Agency and a customs license from the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA).
As of February 10, 2024, the Port of Dar es Salaam had 232 cargo containers and 78 empty containers stored for over 50 days.
To alleviate congestion, the containers were transferred to the Kwala Dry Port, with more than 100 containers already claimed by customers.
Efforts to relocate additional containers from Dar es Salaam to Kwala are still ongoing.
The statement highlights the myriad benefits of the dry port's commencement, including enhanced efficiency and cargo throughput at the Port of Dar es Salaam.
Moreover, it is expected to bolster government revenue through services offered at both ports.
By reducing operating costs, the inland port aims to attract more customers to utilize the Port of Dar es Salaam, thereby bolstering its competitiveness within the Indian Ocean region.
In addition to economic benefits, the Kwala Dry Port is anticipated to alleviate traffic congestion and enhance road safety, particularly along the Dar es Salaam-Coast region route, as a substantial portion of cargo from Dar Port is transported via rail.
The infrastructure development is poised to foster economic and business growth in both Dar es Salaam and the Coast region, while also generating employment opportunities.
