Zanzibar Maritime Authority registers 840 vessels in the past four years

Zanzibar. The Zanzibar Maritime Authority (ZMA) has successfully registered 800 foreign vessels and 40 local vessels, generating approximately Sh10.167 billion over the past four years.

This information was disclosed by Deputy Minister of Infrastructure, Communication and Transport, Nadir Abdullatif Yussuf Al-Wardy, on September 25, 2024, during the 16th session of the House of Representatives, as he responded to questions raised by members.

Addressing an inquiry from the representative of Mtambwe, Dr Mohamed Ali Suleiman, who sought details on the number of vessels registered, revenue generated, and the government's efforts to facilitate job opportunities for Zanzibari seafarers, the Deputy Minister provided insights into the maritime sector's operations.

He noted that the registered foreign vessels possess a total gross tonnage (GT) of 3,068,376, while the local vessels account for a GT of 58,115 between 2020 and 2024.

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Concerning the employment of local seafarers on international vessels registered under ZMA, the Deputy Minister stated that the recruitment process rests with the ship owners, who retain the right to hire seafarers from any country.

Nonetheless, the government, through ZMA, is actively engaging with ship owners to encourage the recruitment of qualified Zanzibari seafarers.

He added that Danaos Shipping Company, based in Greece, has been instrumental in facilitating the employment of seafarers, with 841 individuals currently employed on international vessels and an additional 1,500 awaiting placement following successful recruitment interviews.

Addressing the challenges faced by seafarers on international vessels, the Deputy Minister assured that the government remains committed to safeguarding their rights.

He mentioned that seafarers are provided with employment contracts before commencing work, and the government intervenes in resolving any disputes that arise between seafarers and ship owners.

Furthermore, the government offers practical training on board ships, in line with the Seafarers' Interests Act of 2019 and the Seafarers' Health Examination Regulations of 2019.

ZMA registers foreign ships throught the Tanzania Zanzibar International Registry of Ships (TZIRS) facility with the registered ships fly the flags of the United Republic of Tanzania.

However, the issue of vessel registration under the Tanzanian flag has not been without controversy.

In January 2018, the Tanzanian government decided to suspend the registration of foreign-owned ships following multiple incidents involving illegal activities and breaches of maritime laws.

This action came after several Tanzanian-flagged vessels were intercepted carrying illegal cargo, including one intercepted off the Greek coast carrying explosive materials bound for Libya in violation of a UN arms embargo.

Additionally, Tanzanian-registered vessels were linked to other illegal activities, such as a Zanzibari-registered oil tanker seized off the coast of the Dominican Republic carrying 1,570 kg of cocaine.

Concerns also arose over the use of the Tanzanian flag by vessels from North Korea and Iran to circumvent international sanctions.

In light of these developments the Tanzanian government suspended foreign vessel registration and initiated investigations to enhance the maritime registry's oversight and integrity.

The registration of foreign vessels was restored in November 2021 after efforts were made to restore the credibility of its maritime registry, emphasizing compliance and accountability within the sector​.

This included closing the TZIRS ship registration office in Dubai, as well as vetting at least 470 foreign vessels that were flying the Tanzanian flag.

In recent months, however, there have been notable incidents involving Tanzanian-flagged vessels.

On July 26, 2024, a cargo ship sailing under the Tanzanian flag, named Fu Shun, sank off the coast of Taiwan after departing from the southern port city of Kaohsiung amid Typhoon Gaemi.

The incident led to a rescue operation by Taiwanese authorities to search for the nine crew members aboard.

Tanzanian authorities closely monitored this situation through the country’s Embassy in Beijing, China.

The ship was built in 1985 and had been navigating under the Tanzanian flag, with its last recorded position being along the China Coast

Another recent incident involved a Tanzanian-flagged cargo vessel in the Suez Canal.

The ship faced difficulties and was at risk of sinking, prompting the Suez Canal Authority to carry out a successful rescue operation to save both the vessel and its crew members

The incident occurred on April 23, 2024.

The vessel, named Labatros, encountered trouble while in the Suez Canal's Port Said City.

Rescue units from the Suez Canal Authority (SCA) responded to a distress call when the ship began tilting to the right and appeared to be in danger of sinking.

The rescue operation successfully prevented the vessel from sinking, and the crew of 12 members was evacuated safely.

The ship was en route from Lebanon to Egypt's Adabiya Port at the time of the inciden.