Dar port authorities pulling out all the stops

CONTAINER HANDLING at the port of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania is currently operating at 23% over capacity, but authorities are hard at work to smooth the flow of boxes through the port. “We have a number of projects inland from the east coast and we utilise Dar for all our consignments to these landlocked regions,” explains Gerald Winfred of project management specialists, Simple Shipping Solutions. “My visit to Tanzania two weeks ago has renewed my faith in the port authority there. They are trying fanatically to get the port running to its full capability. “The current problem is that the vessels berth and discharge containers that have to be moved into a stacking area which cannot handle the inflow,” adds Winfred. The authorities have created an inland port of privately-owned depots know as ICDs. “This is a short-term solution to ensure vessels get in and out quickly to ease the waiting time for all vessels in the berthing queue. “Customs procedures have been given priority for release without delays,” says Winfred. “South African shippers have a limited time to get all their export documents in order for the start of the clearing process due to the short sailing time from Durban to Dar Es Salaam. “They therefore need to ensure that documents are delivered to the receiver timeously to ensure that the cargo is cleared and delivered without incurring storage and demurrage while easing pressure on the port,” says Winfred. Despite the recent suspension of Dar es Salaam services by Maersk and Safmarine, Winfred says: “It was more difficult to secure a breakbulk vessel for 21m concrete poles, but there is still box space available on vessels."