THE Tanzania Shipping Agencies Corporation (TASAC) has instructed the management of the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) in Tanga to separate hazardous cargo from other types of cargo.

TASAC also encouraged shipping agents to utilize the Tanga port due to its improved efficiency in unloading cargo, which is now faster and more cost-effective compared to previous methods.

Speaking during a recent inspection visit to Tanga by the TASAC board of directors, Director General Mohamed Salum emphasized the need for TPA to separate hazardous cargo. He also recommended that customs agents and cargo loaders be assigned separate working areas outside the port to enhance operational efficiency.

Salum praised TPA for the successful implementation of the Tanga port improvement project, which has facilitated ship docking and increased the port's revenue by 30 percent.

Tanga Port Manager Masoud Mrisha noted that the port has recently handled new types of cargo, including sulfur, ammonia, and copper. This influx has raised the total cargo volume for 2023/24 to over 100 million tons, up from 800,000 tons in 2022/23.

He highlighted that the government has invested over 400 billion TZS in the port's improvement, significantly enhancing its efficiency.

Board Chairman Mussa Mandia stressed the importance of continuing the separation of dirty cargo from clean cargo and advancing the port's expansion.

 He commended the port's clean environment and organized operations, attributing the 30 percent revenue increase to government investments.

Tanga Regional Commissioner Batilida Burian called for TASAC's close supervision to ensure proper segregation of cargo types.

Originally built in 1888, the Tanga port initially required cargo to be unloaded onto boats 1.7 kilometers from the dock. Recent upgrades now allow ships to dock directly at the port.