Dar es Salaam Port achieves 90% reduction in cargo discharge time

DP World Dar Es Salaam has achieved record vessel performance and reduced cargo discharge times by more than 90% at the Port of Dar es Salaam, marking a major milestone in the terminal's transformation since commencing operations in April 2024.

Operating under a 30-year concession, DP World continues to invest in modernising and expanding the port to support the country's long-term trade ambitions.

DP World has shifted the port to modern roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) operations, enabling it to handle larger, more complex vessels safely, while reducing supply chain costs and supporting trade competitiveness and economic growth.

This transformation has delivered a more than 90% reduction in discharge time for comparable cargo, from over 300 hours to under 28 hours, setting a new benchmark for efficiency at the port.

In quarter one, the port achieved another operational milestone, with the arrival of M/V RAMHAN. At 240 metres length overall, it is the longest vessel ever to call at the Dar Es Salaam port with capacity for up to 7,790 vehicles. The vessel discharged 779 car equivalent units (CEUs) of predominantly heavy-duty vehicles in just over 27 hours.

Martin Jacob, CEO, Tanzania, DP World said: "Over the past two years, we have fundamentally improved how cargo moves through the Port of Dar es Salaam. Faster turnaround, higher capacity and the ability to handle larger, more complex vessels are strengthening Tanzania's position as a regional trade gateway to East Africa while delivering benefits for customers, businesses and the wider economy."

The transition to handling cargo through Pure Car and Truck Carriers (PCTC), implemented in collaboration with the Tanzania Ports Authority, has enabled faster, safer and more efficient discharge of heavy-duty vehicles. This shift from general cargo operations has driven consistent performance gains across cargo categories and strengthened Dar es Salaam's position as a competitive trade hub in East Africa.

Key Features / Impact

• 90%+ reduction in discharge time: From over 300 hours to under 28 hours for similar cargo.
• Record vessel handling: Longest vessel at 240m LOA successfully received and discharged.
• Increased capacity and efficiency: Commencement of PCTC operations improving speed and safety.
• Economic impact: Reduced logistics costs supporting productivity, GDP growth and trade competitiveness.
• Workforce development: More than 2,900 Tanzanians employed and supported through ongoing operational and safety training.

To support growing cargo volumes and larger vessel calls, DP World continues to invest in workforce capability and safety at the port. More than 2,900 Tanzanians are employed at the terminal, with employees completing internationally recognised certifications and specialised operational and emergency response training to support safe, efficient and reliable operations.

"Our continued investment in the Port of Dar es Salaam reflects DP World's long-term commitment to Africa's economic growth and integration into global trade networks. Through our partnership with the Tanzania Port authority, we are not only modernising critical infrastructure, but we are also enabling regional integration, reducing trade barriers, and creating sustainable economic opportunities," says Mohammed Akoojee, DP World Africa CEO and MD.