Kisarawe dry port coming soon

Posted on : Monday, 11th May 2015

A private cargo handling and logistics company, DSM Corridor Group Ltd, has started construction of a dry port in Kisarawe district, 40km from Dar es Salaam port. The project will cost a total Tsh32.8 billion ($17 million).

According to DSM chief executive officer Erik Kok, the move is aimed at reducing congestion at the Dar es Salaam port.

“The multipurpose dry port is approximately 100,000 square metres; at the moment; we have started developing 20,000 square metres,” he said.

Mr Kok told said the current construction is expected to cost Tsh2.8 billion ($2 million). The project has so far employed 170 people but will employ up to 270 when complete.

“The port will handle about two million tonnes of cargo every year,” he said.

Cutting costs

Last year, the firm handled over 1.6 million tonnes of cargo, which is over 10 per cent of the 14 million tonnes handled by Dar es Salaam port in that year.

According to Mr Kok, taking cargo to Kisarawe dry port and then through Kibaha by truck and onwards to the hinterland will reduce transportation time and costs.

Mr Kok also said that his company is in talks with Tazara officials to work out a deal to have cargo from Kisarawe hauled by rail to neighbouring landlocked countries to further reduce freight charges.

Tazara has a capacity of transporting five million tonnes of cargo per annum, but handles less than 400,000 tonnes due to poor infrastructure and financial problems.

Mr Kok said that the dry port will handle various bulk items such as cars, fertiliser, and related cargo.