Mtwara and Other Southern Sea Ports

Mtwara port is one of the three major ports managed by Tanzania Ports Authority developed in Southern Tanzania coast near the border with Mozambique. It is geographically located 578 kilometer south of Dar es salaam City. The deep water port at Mtwara was built between 1948 and 1954. Development of the deep water port was accompanied by railway construction from Mtwara to Nachingwea.

Port Characteristics

The deep water quay has a draught of 9.5 to 13.5 metres chart datum, there are no tidal restrictions for vessels entering and leaving the harbor.

Port Facilities

Berth

The port has a quay wall of 685 metres which can accommodate four ships and one coastal vessel at a time. The draught is 9.5-13.5 metres and with the introduction of new and more reliable solar powered navigational aids, the port will be accessible to ships during 24 hours.

Equipment

Cargo handling equipment include Ship to shore gantry crane (SSG), Mobile Harbour Crane 100 tons, Reach Stacker 45 tons, Front Loader 42 tons, Mobile Cranes 50 and 25 tons, Empty Handler, forklifts 16 tons, 5 tons and 3 tons, Terminal Tractors, Hoppers and Grabs. Marine crafts available at the Port are Tug Boat and Mooring Boat. Mtwara Port is well equipped and prepared to handle all categories of cargo.

Storage

Two main sheds with a total of more than 15,000m2 of covered storage. Paved open storage totaling 124,000sqm including 76,000 sqm constructed in year 2020. Unpaved open storage totals 20,000sqm.

Present Capacity

Mtwara port can handle 1,000,000 metric tons of imports and exports per annum. The port is mainly designed to handle conventional and containerised cargo.

Contact Information

The Port Master,
Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA),
P. O. Box 530,
MTWARA, Tanzania

Tel. +255 (23) 2333125
Fax +255 (23) 2333153
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