By Prosper Makene
Dar es Salaam Merchant Group (DMG) has announced the successful completion of the validation workshop for the comprehensive consultancy project: “Provision of Consultancy Services for a Feasibility Study for TASHICO to Venture into Short Sea Shipping in the Indian Ocean.”
The workshop brought together key stakeholders to review and discuss the detailed findings of the study, which explores strategic opportunities for the Tanzania Shipping Company Limited (TASHICO) to expand beyond its traditional inland lake operations into regional short sea shipping across the Indian Ocean. This initiative aligns with Tanzania’s broader maritime ambitions to enhance connectivity, boost trade, and position the country as a key player in East African and Indian Ocean logistics.
The study was conducted rigorously, drawing on both qualitative and quantitative data collected from more than nine jurisdictions, including Tanzania, Kenya, Comoros, Mauritius, Seychelles, Madagascar, Réunion, and Mayotte. It provides clear, evidence-based answers to four critical questions:
– Which cargo? – Identifying viable and high-potential cargo types for short sea routes.
– Which routes? – Mapping optimal and economically feasible shipping corridors.
– Which vessels? – Recommending suitable vessel types, sizes, and specifications.
– What cost? – Delivering detailed cost structures, including capital, operational, and lifecycle estimates.
The event was chaired by Mr. Maseke Mabiki, Director of Policy and Planning at the Ministry of Transport, who served as the workshop chairman. Eng. Shomari Shomari, Director of Transport Infrastructure at the Ministry of Transport, represented the Permanent Secretary and delivered an inspiring speech on behalf of the ministry leadership.
The workshop saw active participation from a wide array of government and private sector institutions, including representatives from the Ministry of Transport (MOT), TASAC, LATRA, TPA, TCAA, DMI, Ministry of Finance (MOF), TASAA, TSC, TIB, CRDB, NMB, MOFA, EAC and PPP Centre. Other participants included TMA, CCT, TFAMOTI, TISEZA, TADB, TATOA, GIZ, EWURA, TANROADS, and the World Bank (WB).
Stakeholders provided constructive comments and valuable insights, which DMG will carefully incorporate to further strengthen the final report. Notably, participants unanimously congratulated TASHICO on its forward-thinking vision and praised DMG for delivering a well-detailed, professional, and thorough report. In principle, the stakeholders accepted the report and its key findings, signaling strong support for TASHICO’s potential expansion into short sea shipping.
This milestone underscores DMG’s commitment to delivering high-impact consultancy services that drive sustainable development in Tanzania’s maritime and infrastructure sectors. By combining deep regional expertise, rigorous research, and multi-stakeholder engagement, DMG helps clients like TASHICO unlock new opportunities for growth and regional integration.
“We extend our sincere thanks to the Ministry of Transport, TASHICO leadership, and all participating stakeholders for their collaboration and enthusiasm. Together, we are charting a promising course for Tanzania’s maritime future,” DMG’s Managing Director said.
