Business
Tanzania floats East Africa’s largest freshwater vessel
Tanzania has floated East Africa’s largest-ever domestically manufactured freshwater passenger and cargo ship, the MV Mwanza Hapa Kazi Tu, on Lake Victoria.
The ship, launched at the Mwanza South Port on February 12, can carry 1,200 passengers, 400 tonnes of cargo, 20 small vehicles, and three trucks. It is currently 82 percent complete.
“Up to this point of float-out, we can say the ship is complete and the remaining 18 percent is just minor installations that will be done in less than 4 months,” said Eric Hamissi, the chief executive officer of Tanzania’s Marine Services Company Limited.
Hamissi explained that the next phase includes finishing internal aesthetics such as paintwork, fixing air conditioners, beds, and toilets, and installing navigation equipment.
The ship’s construction began in January 2019. The vessel will cost the taxpayers over Tsh100 billion (US$43 million).
The ship is expected to ply Lake Victoria, providing a key transport and trade network between Jinja and Portbell in Uganda, Kisumu in Kenya, and Mwanza, Bukoba, Kemondo, and Musoma in Tanzania.