Expediting flow of cargo through Dar es Salaam

The port of Dar es Salaam offers several competitive advantages against other harbours serving Zambia – particularly for exports, says Firoz Dungarsi, managing director of Ndola-based Inland Investments. “Everyone talks about congestion in Dar es Salaam, but there are only delays when it comes to offloading, which is where ships are forced to wait outside the port. Once they are in the port it is efficient. “There are no delays when it comes to loading,” he says. Having a strong presence in the Tanzanian port through the parent TRH group also helps the company to expedite the flow of cargo through the port. “We are able to ensure that the cargo is cleared and delivered to the stack on time for loading,” he says. Regarding security in the port, he says it is important to time delivery to the very last day to ensure minimum dwell time. Inland Investments provides storage outside of the port so that cargo can be stored ahead of stack date. “We believe no other company has as much infrastructure and support in Dar es Salaam as the TRH group of companies, and we continue to invest in the port city,” he says. The company also provides trucking and security services from the Copperbelt to Dar es Salaam, operating up to 460 loads a month. The TRH group has plans to establish its own fuel storage facility in order to manage an annual fuel shortage. “We use 50 000-70 000 litres of fuel a month, and we are faced with shortages of supply every year. Having our own facility will mean that we will not run out, and we will be able to keep our clients’ freight moving,” he says. Copper is the main commodity on the outbound leg, and the trucks are loaded with general cargo for the return. “The total transit time from the Democratic Republic of Congo is between eight to ten days, with up to five days spent at the border. Actual travelling time is about five days,” he says. Inefficiencies and theft have seen rail volumes decline, although some freight is still moved by rail. Dungarsi is one of many who are hoping that the promises of the rejuvenation of the rail link by the Tanzania Zambia Railways Authority (Tazara) will be fulfilled. INSERT 460 The number of loads moving between the Copperbelt and Dar es Salaam on a monthly basis. INSERT & CAPTION Storage provided outside of the port so that cargo can be stored ahead of stack date. – Firoz Dungarsi