Dar es Salaam. The MSC ADU V, carrying 4,000 containers, has docked at the Port of Dar es Salaam for the first time, marking the arrival of the largest container ship in Tanzania’s history.
Built in 2005, the MSC ADU V measures 294.12 meters long, nearly the length of three football fields. It arrived on Saturday, June 22, 2024.
The Acting Manager of the Dar es Salaam Port, Mr Abeid Gallus, told reporters at the weekend that the ship’s arrival was a result of recent port improvements and investments by DP World.
He said that upgrades to the port’s depth, increased from 8-13.7 meters to 14.5 meters.
This, he said, allows ships of up to 305 meters long and 13.5 meters deep to dock comfortably.
“This is a historic milestone for us. Initially, we handled ships of up to 267 meters long but with these enhancements, Dar es Salaam Port can now accommodate larger vessels,” Gallus said.
He said the ongoing improvements under the new investor, DP World, have visibly enhanced port operations.
Gallus explained that accommodating larger ships like the MSC ADU V would not only increase cargo volume but also reduce transportation costs for clients using the port.
“Our aim is to expedite the unloading and loading process. The MSC ADU V will discharge its cargo within five days, facilitating efficient turnaround times,” Gallus stated.
According to Gallus, the previous largest ship to dock at Dar es Salaam Port was 267 meters long, carrying 3,500 containers. The port’s recent milestones include receiving the Frontier Ace on April 18, 2022, carrying 4,041 vehicles, and the Norwegian Cruise Line Dawn on January 16, 2024, with 2,210 passengers.
The Director of Dar es Salaam Port, Mr Mrisho Mrisho, had earlier expressed confidence in the port’s future readiness to accommodate even larger ships.
Share this news
This Year's Most Read News Stories
Kampuni ya Elon Musk kuzindua mtandao Tanzania
Huduma ya mtandao ya Elon Musk ya Starlink inatarajiwa kupatikana nchini Tanzania katika robo ya kwanza ya 2023, huku wachambuzi wakisema maendeleo hayo mapya yatakuza uchumi wa kidijitali.Continue Reading
Cracks show as Zanzibar’s CCM ruling party looks to 2025 polls
Cracks show as Zanzibar’s CCM ruling party looks to 2025 polls over Mr Karume’s allegation against the administration. Time for the ruling party to take stock?Continue Reading
Tanzania: Exim to Raise Fund for Mental Health Facilities Upgrades
EXIM Bank to raise 300m/- over the next three years for financing essential services and infrastructure upgrades in mental health facilities.
The bank’s Head of Marketing and Communications Stanley Kafu unveiled this when introducing Exim Bima Festival 2024 as a platform for bringing together individuals, organisations and various sectors for raising the funds.
“Exim’s initiative aligns with the government’s broader goals to ensure that every citizen has access to quality healthcare, including mental health services,” he said.
The initiative, which is one of the events for celebrating the bank’s 27th anniversary is scheduled for Wednesday this week in Dar es Salaam.
Mr Kafu highlights that this year’s festival is not only about raising awareness of the importance of insurance in the society but also focuses on enhancing access to mental health services and improving the overall well-being of the nation.
Statistics from the Ministry of Health shows a staggering 82 per cent increase in mental health cases over the past decade.
Mental cases have risen from 386,358 in 2012 to 2,102,726 in 2021, making the need for mental health services more urgent than ever.
ALSO READ: NBC’s Saving Campaign Empowers Customers Nationwide
Unfortunately, the country’s ability to address this growing challenge is hindered by a shortage of mental health professionals, infrastructure, medical equipment and essential medication.
For example, out of the 28 regions in the country, only five have facilities that provide adequate mental health services.
The most affected group is the youth aged 15 to 39, who represent the nation’s workforce, underscoring the need for intensified efforts to safeguard this generation for Tanzania’s future well-being and development.
Mr Kafu said by improving mental health services, Exim aims to contribute to the creation of a network of communities that can access care quickly and affordably.
Exim Insurance Department Manager Tike Mwakyoma said they are appreciating the support from partners in the insurance industry, who have stood by them since the last festival.
“Let’s continue this unity for the development of all Tanzanians and our nation as a whole,” the manager said.
Source: allafrica.com
