Tanzania offers Ugandan shippers 30-days free storage period 

Port authorities are key stakeholders in facilitating trade and creating competitive markets and economies.

In response to the disruptions in the global supply chains as a result of Covid-19, global conflicts and climate change (the 3Cs), the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) has offered several incentives to Uganda shippers, among which is a 30–days free storage period for all imports. It is hoped that this will, to some degree, help users of Tanzania ports recover from the slump brought about by the 3Cs.

This affirmation was made at the just concluded FIATA-RAME 2023 logistics conference, held in Kampala, Uganda from August, 1 to 3,  2023.

TPA, the main sponsors of the international summit, pledged to support the shippers and logistics service providers in building resilience in their operations and to help them in adapting to the new trends and disruptions in international trade.

“TPA has a dedicated Ugandan shed, which is available for shippers to use at any given time as both a consolidation and deconsolidation center, especially for imports. Exports of up to 3,500 metric tonnes are also allowed in this shade for consolidation purposes. The 30 days will give shippers a more realistic import planning as well as comply with the requirements of various stakeholders,” said, Yesaya Masangya, Marketing Manager, TPA head office.

He noted that the biggest global trade concern remained the restrictions and trade measures among trade partners, an aspect that constitutes into Non Tarrif Barriers (NTBs).

TPA is mandated to provide a seamless gateway to global economies as well as offer efficient cargo handling services. The core functions of the Authority are combined with facilitation and partnerships in order to provide an efficient and reliable service to the customers.

“We are on a continuing improvement program; which has helped us become a more efficient and reliable trade partner. Services at our ports are now available 24/7 with security for the cargo, assets, vessels and community enhanced,” said Lona Stafford, TPA Uganda Country Representative.

Adding, “Shippers can now pay port charges online through the TPA Electronic Payment Portal (TEPP) using both VISA and MasterCard. Our Liaison Office in Uganda has helped play a coordination role between TPA, the customers and users – an aspect that has brought Port services closer to the customers.”

Uganda is a strategic transit market for the TPA.

By virtual of her strategic location, Uganda is serviced through an efficient multimodal system, that is; the rail–to–lake–network from the Port of Dar es Salaam to Portbell and Jinja through Mwanza on Lake Victoria.

Capacity on Lake Victoria is being enhanced with MV Umoja – which has been grounded for rehabilitation – set to resume operations in August 2023. It will supplement MV Kaawa, which is currently making over eight (8 voyages) with more than 15,000 MT a month for both imports and exports.

In essence, the route cuts transit time and cost between Dar es Salaam and Uganda by over 20% and 40% respectively.

A number of developments are underway in order to transform Mwanza into a modern port, says Ferdinand Nyathi, the Port Manager. In addition, TPA is in the process of centralizing operations by establishing a One Stop Center at Mwanza to streamline communication amongst the different stakeholders, while easing the process of allocating wagons since the Port will be operating on a transparent schedule.

“TPA is working closely with the Government of Tanzania and other stakeholders to streamline various port activities with the aim of attaining a seamless flow of information and cargo from the Port to the final destinations,” says Arnold Tarimo, Marketing Officer, TPA, at the head office.

He notes that port operations involve multiple regulators and partners, each with a different standard and in most cases independent systems, which if not well coordinated leads to delays; making them inefficient in terms of cost and time.

“One of the remedies to this is the establishment of TPA’s Bandari Tower - One Stop Centre that offers a 360 degrees service to customers as it is home to over 35 port stakeholders – all under one roof - saving customers time and money,” Tarimo adds.

About TPA

Tanzania Ports Authority is the epitome of efficiency and resilience in serving customers across the Region. TPA plays the role of a landlord ports authority and operates a system of ports that provide service to the Tanzania hinterland and land-linked countries of Uganda, DRC, Zambia, Rwanda, Burundi, Malawi and Zimbabwe.

The Port of Dar es Salaam alone, which is the main port serving the above land linked countries has an intrinsic capacity to handle over 30 million tons of cargo per annum (General cargo – 9.0 million tons; Container yard – 11 million tons or 1,500,000 TEUs; Liquid bulk – 10 million tons).

For more information, contact them on tpauganda@ports.go.tz or visit their office at Plot 24B Akii Bua Road, Nakasero.