Dar es Salaam, Tanzania – September 2025 – The Port of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s principal maritime gateway, has recorded remarkable growth following major infrastructure overhauls and operational upgrades. The Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA), working in partnership with global operator DP World, has transformed the facility into one of East and Central Africa’s most efficient and competitive cargo hubs.
Ship Turnaround and Efficiency Gains
The most visible improvement has been in ship turnaround time. Until early 2024, vessels calling at Dar Port faced waiting periods of up to 48 days, creating delays and added costs for shippers. Today, thanks to modernized operations and new equipment, turnaround has dropped dramatically to an average of seven days, with some container ships completing clearance in as little as three days.
The number of vessels waiting per month has also fallen significantly—from around 35 to just 15—a clear indicator of improved efficiency. Container handling capacity has grown sharply, with monthly throughput rising from 17,000 TEUs to 25,000 TEUs, a 47% increase compared to the previous year.
Infrastructure and Technology Investments
Under a 30-year concession agreement signed in 2024, DP World committed to invest $250 million in the first five years, with potential expansion to $1 billion over the contract period. So far, over 214 billion Tanzanian shillings (about 31% of the pledged investment) has been directed into equipment upgrades and digital systems.
Among the improvements:
- Deployment of ship-to-shore cranes and rubber-tyred gantry cranes, improving cargo handling speed.
- Integration of digital systems such as TANCIS and the Tanzania Electronic Single Window System (TeSWS), which streamline documentation and customs processes, reducing bottlenecks and improving transparency.
Revenue Surge
The efficiency gains have translated into strong financial performance. Between April and September 2024, the government collected 325.3 billion shillings in port-related revenue. Customs collections have also jumped, with the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) now averaging 1 trillion shillings per month, up from 850 billion shillings before the reforms.
In the July 2024 to February 2025 period, customs revenue surged to 8.26 trillion shillings, an increase of 1.18 trillion over the same period the previous year.
This surge in revenue has allowed the government to reinvest in new projects, including the planned Mgao Island Port in Mtwara and improved facilities for traditional vessels.
Regional Trade Boost
Cargo volumes have also increased substantially. Between May and November 2024, Dar Port handled 14.4 million tonnes, up 5.6% year-on-year. Across all ports managed by TPA, volumes reached 16.5 million tonnes, representing a 5.9% increase.
The port has also cemented its role as a key transit hub. Goods destined for neighboring landlocked countries—including Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda—grew by 19.3% to reach 6.3 million tonnes. Container dwell times, once as high as 30 days, have been reduced to nearly zero, and vessel turnaround time now averages just 36–48 hours.
Oversight and Future Outlook
Parliament’s Infrastructure Committee has commended the TPA and DP World for the progress made, noting that Dar Port now contributes about 30% of TRA’s total national revenue collections. However, legislators have also urged the government to accelerate railway infrastructure upgrades and expand dry port facilities to further ease congestion.
Long-term plans include additional land acquisition for expansion and closer integration of road, rail, and port systems to reinforce Dar’s role as a regional trade hub.
A Strategic Gateway for Africa
The transformation of Dar es Salaam Port is already shifting trade flows across the region. By cutting delays, modernizing systems, and expanding capacity, Tanzania has positioned itself to compete with other Indian Ocean gateways such as Mombasa and Durban.
For East and Central Africa, the port’s overhaul is more than just a logistical upgrade—it is a catalyst for economic growth, trade competitiveness, and regional integration.
Stay with us for verified, expert, and on-the-ground maritime journalism.
Contact: news@allinmaritime.com
Tel: +27 063 069 1191
Offices: Durban | Lagos | Abidjan | Dakar
All in Maritime News — Your Source for Maritime Intelligence
