Reviewing port charges to address operating costs

TPA submits application

TANZANIA: Hosted by the Tanzania Shipping Agency Corporation (TASAC), port stakeholders met in Dar es Salaam this week to discuss the Tanzania Ports Authority’s (TPA) application for a review of port charges.

The changes reflect TPA’s efforts to address rising operational costs. The Director General of TPA, Plasduce Mbossa told delegates that many of the port charges had not been revised in more than ten years, while other services were being provided at no charge despite high operating costs.

Speaking at the meeting, TASAC Director General, Mohamed Salum said that stakeholder participation was an important part of the tariff review process that needed to consider the broader interests of stakeholders including port efficiency, regional competitiveness, and costs to service users.

Mbossa stressed that these reforms are aimed at ensuring that Tanzanian ports remain competitive, efficient and capable of meeting the current and future needs of international trade.

In the discussions, stakeholders identified key issues such as the impact of proposed tariffs on trade and transport activities, the ability of ports to handle cargo quickly, and the importance of continuing to create a better and more stable investment environment. 

PHOTO: Port stakeholders meet in Dar es Salaam to discuss port charges. (Source: Tanzania Shipping Agency Corporation.)

Study calls for limits to offshore bunkering Strengthening MPA delivery in Mozambique