Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
Dar es Salaam is Tanzania’s largest city and main port, serving as East Africa’s commercial and transport hub.
Port Overview
Dar Es Salaam is located on Tanzania’s eastern coast along the Indian Ocean and is the country’s largest city and principal port. It ranks as one of Africa’s busiest and fastest-growing ports, handling about 90% of Tanzania’s international cargo. Strategically, Dar Es Salaam serves as a key maritime gateway for Tanzania and several landlocked neighboring countries, including Zambia, Malawi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The port’s annual container throughput is approximately 700,000 TEU, making it a vital logistics hub in East Africa.
Facilities & Infrastructure
Dar Es Salaam Port features 11 berths, including two main container terminals—CT2 being the largest, with four berths and a capacity of 1 million TEUs annually. The port handles containers, general cargo, dry bulk, and liquid bulk via the Kurasini Oil Jetty and a Single Point Mooring. Key equipment includes ship-to-shore cranes, mobile harbor cranes, and reach stackers. The port does not currently use automated guided vehicles (AGVs).
Container Terminals
Dar es Salaam’s container terminals have 11 berths, with the main container facility (CT2) comprising 4 berths and a capacity of about 1 million TEU annually. The port’s total monthly container handling capacity is around 100,000 units. Automation is moderate, with recent investments in digital systems and modern equipment, but full automation is not yet implemented. Major operators include Adani International Ports and DP World, under long-term concessions.
Port Services
- Container handling: Dedicated container terminals with modern equipment and high throughput capacity.
- Cargo operations: Bulk, breakbulk, liquid bulk, and general cargo handling across multiple berths.
- Ship services: Pilotage, towage, mooring, bunkering, and vessel support.
- Warehousing: On-site storage facilities for various cargo types, including bonded and transit warehouses.
- Customs: Integrated customs clearance systems, electronic single window, and efficient cargo documentation processing.
Global Connectivity
Dar es Salaam is Tanzania’s main seaport, handling over 90% of the country’s cargo and serving as a key gateway for landlocked neighbors including Zambia, Malawi, Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The port is connected by road and rail to these regions and offers regular shipping routes to major markets such as China, India, Southeast Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and other African ports including Mombasa, Durban, and Maputo.
Port Statistics
Dar Es Salaam Port, Tanzania – Key Statistics (2025):
- TEU Throughput: Approximately 700,000–1,000,000 TEU annually, with monthly records exceeding 34,000 TEU.
- World Ranking: Among Africa’s top 10 container ports; not in the global top 50.
- Number of Berths: 12 operational berths, with expansion plans to reach 22.
- Port Area: Covers about 110 hectares.
- Shipping Lines: Served by major global carriers including Maersk, MSC, CMA CGM, and PIL.
