Maritime census to quantify vessels and builders
MoU to identify national capacity
The Tanzania Shipping Agency Corporation (TASAC) and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will facilitate the preparation and implementation of the Census of Water Transport Vessels, Shipbuilding Areas and Shipbuilders in Mainland Tanzania for the year 2026/27.
The agreement aims to enhance the availability of accurate, reliable and up-to-date data that will help plan, manage and develop the water transport sector in the country. The census will be the second to be conducted in the country after the first census conducted in 2021.
Speaking at an event to announce the project, TASAC Director General, Mohamed Salum, said the census is an important step in updating the national database of water transport vessels and obtaining accurate information about vessels operating in various areas of mainland Tanzania.
He noted that aim is to improve maritime safety management, strengthen the implementation of laws and regulations, as well as support policy, regulatory and investment decisions in the sector.
Chief Statistician of the Government, Dr Amina Msengwa agreed that the effort would support the implementation of various government development plans, including strengthening the country's integrated transport system. She said the data obtained through the census is an important resource in making sound policy decisions, planning investments and improving service delivery to citizens.
The data obtained will be used to enhance vessel and passenger safety, improve the planning of maritime transport infrastructure, stimulate investment in the blue economy and support the implementation of the National Development Vision 2050.
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