DP World Dar es Salaam has delivered record vessel performance at the Port of Dar es Salaam, reducing cargo discharge times by more than 90% since commencing operations under a 30-year concession in April 2024.
Discharge time for comparable cargo has fallen from over 300 hours to under 28 hours, setting a new operational benchmark at the port and strengthening Tanzania’s position as a regional trade gateway for East Africa.
A central driver of this transformation has been the transition to modern roll-on/roll-off operations and the adoption of Pure Car and Truck Carrier handling, implemented in collaboration with the Tanzania Ports Authority.
The shift from general cargo operations to PCTC handling has enabled faster, safer and more efficient discharge of heavy-duty vehicles while allowing the port to accommodate larger and more complex vessels.
In the first quarter of 2026, the port welcomed M/V Ramhan, a vessel of 240 metres in length overall and the longest ever to call at Dar es Salaam, with capacity for up to 7,790 vehicles.
The vessel discharged 779 car equivalent units of predominantly heavy-duty cargo in just over 27 hours.
DP World continues to invest in workforce capability alongside physical infrastructure, with more than 2,900 Tanzanians now employed at the terminal and completing internationally recognised certifications alongside specialised operational and emergency response training.
Martin Jacob, CEO for Tanzania at DP World, described the transformation as a fundamental improvement in how cargo moves through the port, with faster turnaround, higher capacity and expanded vessel handling capability delivering benefits for customers, businesses and the broader economy.
Mohammed Akoojee, DP World Africa CEO and Managing Director, framed the continued investment as a reflection of the company’s long-term commitment to Africa’s economic growth and integration into global trade networks, noting that the partnership with the Tanzania Ports Authority is enabling regional integration, reducing trade barriers and creating sustainable economic opportunities.
