Africa-Press – Tanzania. THE long-standing challenge of delayed transshipment of goods to Zanzibar has finally been resolved with the successful docking of the MV Amu Jameel container ship at Malindi Port.
The arrival of the vessel carrying over 600 contain- ers of essential goods, marks a significant improvement in Zanzibar’s supply chain and ensuring the timely delivery of cargo from Mombasa, a key hub for shipments from China and the Middle East.
The ship, owned by Kenya’s Lamu Shipping Limited, was warmly received in a celebratory event led by Zanzibar’s Minister of State in the President’s Office (Labour, Economy, and Investments), Mr Sharif Ali Sharif.
He was joined by port workers, government officials and local residents in welcoming the vessel.
“We must celebrate this achievement,” said Mr Sharif during the welcome reception, which featured traditional dance popularly known as Ngoma ya Kibati and a poetic recital commending the milestone in resolving transport delays.
Speaking at the event, Minister Sharif highlighted the significance of the new shipping route, explaining how delays in cargo delivery from Mombasa have historically caused shortages and price hikes in Zanzibar.
“Our cargo from China and the Middle East is first offloaded in Mombasa, but due to a lack of reliable trans- shipment, it often takes weeks or even months to reach Zanzibar.
This has contributed to price increase for essential goods,” he said. With the introduction of this new route, he said Zanzibar expects a smoother sup- ply of goods, especially as the Holy Month of Ramadan ap- proaches.
The Minister expressed confidence that this development would ensure food se- curity and price stability during the fasting period, as he reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enhancing efficiency at all seaports and airports, calling on the business community to refrain from un- necessary price hikes.
He said that the government has introduced tax exemptions and reductions on essential goods to keep prices reasonable, though some traders continue to take advantage of the situation.
He said that under the leadership of President Dr Hussein Mwinyi, Zanzibar has been investing in infra- structure improvements to facilitate trade.
Minister Sharif highlight- ed ongoing developments at Fumba Port in Unguja Island and Shumba and Wete ports in Pemba Island, aimed at ensuring the smooth and timely delivery of imported goods and he additionally urged citizens to maintain peace and stability, particularly as the nation prepares for its upcoming general elections.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communication, and Transport Dr Habiba Hassan Omar, hailed the MV Amu Jameel’s docking as a signifi- cant step in Zanzibar’s vision to become a regional trans- shipment hub.
She said that the collaboration between the government and private sector through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) is crucial for economic growth. Unguja Urban District Commissioner, Mr Hamid Seif Said, called upon Zanzibaris to continue supporting both President of the United Re- public of Tanzania Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan and Zanzibar President Dr Mwinyi in driving the country’s economic progress.
Speaking at the event, Managing Director of Lamu Shipping Limited, Captain Twalib Khamis, expressed excitement about launching the new route to Zanzibar.
“MV Amu Jameel, registered in Liberia, has a capacity to carry over 1,000 containers. We currently operate routes between China, the Middle East, and East Africa with three cargo ships. Within the next three years, we plan to expand our fleet to five ships to further improve efficiency and better serve our clients,” Capt. Khamis announced.
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