Dar es Salaam Port has reduced vessel discharge time by more than 90 percent following operational reforms introduced by global port operator DP World, strengthening Tanzania's ambition to position the facility as a leading maritime gateway for East and Central Africa.

The Dubai-based operator said vessel turnaround time has fallen from more than 300 hours to less than 28 hours since it assumed management of key terminals under a concession agreement with the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) nearly two years ago.

The latest milestone was achieved during the first quarter of this year when the M/V RAMHAN, a 240-metre Pure Car and Truck Carrier (PCTC), became the largest vessel ever to berth at Dar es Salaam Port.

The vessel, which can transport up to 7,790 vehicles, discharged 779 car equivalent units (CEUs), mainly heavy-duty equipment, in just over 27 hours.

The performance has been attributed to the introduction of modern roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) operations, allowing faster and safer handling of vehicles and oversized cargo while reducing delays that have historically affected shipping through the port.

DP World Tanzania Chief Executive Officer Martin Jacob said the operational improvements had transformed cargo movement and enhanced the port's competitiveness in the region.

He said faster vessel turnaround, increased handling capacity and the ability to accommodate larger and more complex vessels were reinforcing Tanzania's role as a regional trade gateway while lowering logistics costs for businesses and improving supply chain efficiency.

DP World Africa Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Mohammed Akoojee said the company's continued investment reflected its long-term commitment to modernizing African ports and facilitating regional trade.

He noted that the partnership with the TPA was helping improve port infrastructure, remove trade bottlenecks, and create economic opportunities while strengthening connectivity between Africa and global markets.

According to the operator, the port now handles more than one million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) annually, supported by additional shipping services that have expanded links with international markets.

The company also said it has employed more than 2,900 Tanzanians, who have undergone internationally recognized training in port operations, equipment handling, and emergency response.

Dar es Salaam Port serves as the principal maritime gateway for Tanzania and several land-linked countries, including Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Burundi, and Malawi.

The improvements are expected to enhance cargo movement across the Central Corridor, which complements Kenya's Northern Corridor, anchored by the Port of Mombasa.

The operational gains follow one of the most significant reforms in Tanzania's port sector after the government awarded DP World a 30-year concession to operate and modernize parts of Dar es Salaam Port.

The concession agreement, signed in October 2023 between the TPA and the Dubai-based logistics company, was aimed at addressing congestion, improving efficiency, and attracting private investment into one of East Africa's busiest ports.

The deal sparked intense political debate in Tanzania, with critics expressing concerns over sovereignty, transparency, and the long duration of the concession.

However, the government defended the agreement, arguing that private sector participation was necessary to unlock the port's full potential and enhance the country's competitiveness in regional trade.

Under the agreement, DP World committed to an initial investment of more than US$250 million in port infrastructure, equipment, and digital systems. Total investment could rise to US$1 billion over the life of the concession, including the development of logistics facilities linked to the hinterland.

The concession covers container handling, roll-on/roll-off cargo, bulk cargo, and general cargo operations, positioning Dar es Salaam Port to accommodate growing trade volumes from Eastern and Southern Africa while competing more effectively with other regional ports, including Mombasa.