TASAC engages maritime stakeholders to address vessel allocation, berthing challenges at Dar Port

Dar es Salaam. The Tanzania Shipping Agencies Corporation (TASAC) convened a key consultative meeting on April 2, 2026 to address operational challenges linked to vessel allocation and berthing at the Port of Dar es Salaam.

The challenges follow the implementation of the Fixed Berthing Window (FBW) system.

Tasac Director of Economic Regulation, Mr Nahson Sigalla, represented the director general during the session.

He said the meeting sought practical solutions to improve operational efficiency and enhance transparency across port services.

Strengthened coordination among stakeholders remains a central objective as the corporation moves to streamline maritime operations.

Stakeholders broadly agreed that the FBW system carries significant long-term advantages for port management and shipping logistics.

However, several participants stressed that the current framework requires urgent adjustments to reflect operational realities.

Discussions underscored the need for greater fairness and inclusivity, particularly in scheduling and resource allocation.

Tasac confirmed it will review the feedback comprehensively before issuing formal regulatory guidance.

Terminal operators, including DP World and Tanzania East Africa Gateway Terminal Limited (TEAGTL), highlighted structural constraints that continue to affect performance.

Rapid cargo growth has exceeded available infrastructure capacity, particularly limited quay length and berth space.

The operators noted that while the FBW system has potential, it requires strict adherence and full alignment among port users to deliver the intended benefits.

Shipping agents, however, raised concerns over vessels excluded from the fixed berthing window schedule.

Some ships, they reported, have remained at anchorage for up to 60 days, resulting in significant demurrage costs and operational uncertainty.

The Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) observed that the increasing size of vessels has rendered the traditional First-In-First-Out system less practical.

The authority expressed support for revised scheduling models that prioritise vessels based on operational needs.

Tasac is expected to develop clear and transparent guidelines to balance efficiency, fairness, and operational continuity.