In a significant step toward transforming port operations and enhancing regional trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Tanzania has launched Fixed Berthing Windows (FBW) at Terminal 2 of the Dar es Salaam Port. This reform, introduced by the Tanzania East Africa Gateway Terminal Limited (TEAGTL)—the private operator of Terminal 2—marks a major milestone in modernizing Tanzania’s maritime logistics sector and advancing its role as a regional trade hub. The FBW system replaces the traditional first-come-first-served berthing arrangement with a structured schedule of pre-assigned time slots, significantly reducing vessel waiting times and improving overall port efficiency. This shift is widely regarded as a global best practice in port management and is expected to benefit exporters, importers, and manufacturers by enhancing supply chain reliability and reducing logistical costs.
Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) Director General Plasduce Mbossa hailed the implementation of FBW as a critical achievement in enhancing port efficiency and service delivery. He emphasized the strategic partnership between TPA and TEAGTL in building a world-class port ecosystem that supports Tanzania’s national development goals. TEAGTL Director Shahzad Athar highlighted that the successful adoption of FBW was not merely a terminal-level upgrade but a systemic change aimed at positioning Tanzania as a reliable node in global trade. By increasing scheduling confidence for shipping lines, the new system enables greater volume handling, supports the Tanzanian manufacturing sector, and boosts the competitiveness of local exports such as agricultural products.
The urgency of adopting FBW was also underlined by the nature of global transport networks, where delays at one port can have ripple effects along the entire supply chain. The lack of predictability has historically discouraged global carriers from including Dar es Salaam in their schedules. With the implementation of FBW, however, Tanzania is now providing superior service to both international carriers and the national import/export community. In just three months, 32% of the 65 vessels serviced at Terminal 2 were handled under the new FBW system, a figure that rose to 48% by March. TEAGTL now aims to reach 75% FBW usage by the end of May, demonstrating strong adoption by major shipping lines and growing confidence in the Tanzanian port system.
Tanzania Shipping Agencies Corporation (TASAC) Director General Mohamed Salum described FBW as a major step forward in promoting efficiency, transparency, and predictability. He noted that the system aligns perfectly with TASAC’s mandate to ensure safe, secure, and environmentally sound shipping practices, enhancing Tanzania’s reputation in global trade. TEAGTL CEO Capt. Jeyaraj Thamburaj also pointed out that, in addition to reducing vessel waiting times, the terminal is expanding its reefer plug capacity to support cold-chain logistics—a critical requirement for high-value agricultural exports such as avocados. Together, FBW and enhanced refrigeration capabilities are expected to unlock new opportunities for Tanzanian exporters by ensuring product freshness and consistency.
Beyond its local benefits, the FBW reform at Dar es Salaam Port has broader implications for regional integration. The improved efficiency is set to benefit landlocked neighboring countries such as Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Zambia, Malawi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo by providing them with a more reliable and cost-effective trade corridor. These developments underscore Tanzania’s growing role as a strategic logistics hub in East and Southern Africa.
