Port Overview

The port of Zanzibar, also referred to as the port of Malindi, is a deep-sea port located on the west coast of the island of Zanzibar and acts as the island’s main passenger and cargo port. The port of Zanzibar is managed, operated and developed by the Zanzibar Ports Corporation (ZPC), a parastatal organization established under the ZPC Act No.1 of 1997.The ZPC is regulated by the Zanzibar Maritime Authority, which focuses on safety, security, and tariff setting in the port of Malindi. The ZMA is a fully autonomous institution acting under the direct authority of the Zanzibar Ministry of Construction, Infrastructure, Communication, and Transportation.

Key port information can also be found at:

Port website: https://zpc.go.tz/

https://www.aglgroup.com/en/transport-logistics-africa/tanzania/

Key port information may also be found at: http://www.maritime-database.com

Port Picture

Description and Contacts of Key Companies

On May 18, 2023, the Zanzibar Ports Corporation (ZPC) and Africa Global Logistics (AGL) signed a five-year agreement for AGL to manage the container facility at the Port of Zanzibar. The agreement took effect on September 1, 2023. Zanzibar Multipurpose Terminal (ZMT), a subsidiary of AGL, officially began operations at the Malindi port on September 18, 2023. ZMT will provide cargo handling and maritime services at the islands main port. AGL has undertaken to implement an investment program for the modernization and development of the Port of Malindi. The company is planning to build an inland container depot (ICD) outside the port, The ICD will be located 3km north of the port at green field site located at Maruhubi (-6.142171497352352, 39.211110188527236) off the Malawi road, which is essential for relieving congestion at the port hub. ZMT is in the early stages of developing further modernization plans which include the future development dedicated container terminal at Nungwi in the north of the island.

For more information on port contacts, please see the following link: 4.4 Port and Waterways Companies Contact List.

Port Performance

The container terminal is heavily congested with no room for expansion within the port area. However, the change of management of the container facility is a significant event. Development of the inland container depot and removal of empty container will significantly alleviate congestion within the confines of the port. The agreement is expected to lead to improvements in the efficiency and productivity of the port, which will benefit all stakeholders, including shipping companies, cargo owners, and the people of Zanzibar with a reduction in ship dwelling times, improved cargo handling efficiency, increased container throughput, reduced costs for shipping companies and cargo owners and increased revenue for the ZPC.

Discharge Rates and Terminal Handling Charges

Tariffs are set by Tanzania Ports Authority see link.

TPA-Tariff-Book_pub.pdf (ports.go.tz)

Berthing Specifications

General Cargo Handling Berths

Port Handling Equipment

Zanzibar Multipurpose Terminal (ZMT) currently has two mobile 75 tons mobile Harbour crane and a 20 tons Grove, plus a 5 tons Grove Crane. One of the 75 tons mobile crane was purchased in 2023 as part of the change of management in the Multipurpose Terminal.

Container Facilities

As the port area is small and heavily congests ZPC have a container storage area located 260m from the port entrance used to store empty containers. Only empty containers are presently being stored in an open area marked in red which outside the harbour, the area is uneven and said to have a capacity for 2,000 TEU on a ground space of 26,400 m2, the area is on open ground with no fencing or security thus unsuitable for the storge of laden containers. 90% of all containers are stripped within the port area thus they do not leave the port area this has resulted in a build-up of empty containers in the port area. ZMT has plans to remove these

Customs Guidance

The customs process is usually within 48 hours if all documentation is correct. Zanzibar Maritime Authority (ZMA) is responsible enforcing custom regulation. There is a customs clearance offices located in the port area and the working hours are the same as administrative activities of port authority.

For more information on customs in Tanzania, please see the following link: 1.3 Customs Information. 

Terminal Information

MULTIPURPOSE TERMINAL

The port has one deep water quay with a length of 240 metres designated as berth No’s 1 & 2 with a draft is 10 meters. The port has a second smaller quay with a length of 125 meters designated berth No 3 with a depth of 9 meters, is used for cruise liners, passengers’ vessels, ferries and coasters carrying bulk cargo such as cement. Zanzibar Ferry terminal has a RoRo capacity for small ferries from the mainland. To the rear of the Container terminal is key for traditional Dhow sailing vessels used for fishing and transporting freight to smaller islands.

GRAIN AND BULK HANDLING

Bulk is discharged at berth 3 from small coasters from the mainland, berths 1 & 2 are normally used for container ships.

MAIN STORAGE TERMINAL

There is no storage within the perimeter of the port for bulk or break-bulk cargo. There are two port sheds that are used for the storage of imported motor vehicles. The quay for the imports of regional imports has limited customs shed space for the temporary storage of any items that are imparted from the region and are delayed pending final clearances. Import containers are stripped in ‘stacks‘ and the contents of the containers are loaded direct to road vehicles which then transport the customs cleared items out of the Port.

Stevedoring

Stevedoring services are provided by ZPC at the ferry terminal and berth 3 for bulk cargo. ZMT now manage container cargo at the multipurpose terminal.

Hinterland Information

Transport out of the port is conducted by trucks around the island or by coasters and Dhow to smaller outlying Islands in the archipelago.

Port Security

All persons entering the port or working within the port area are badged, must ware Hi-Viz jackets and hard hats, security at the gateway has a strong presence and the entire port is fenced. ZMT has tightened up security at the Multipurpose terminal however, access by sea through the Dhow / Small craft jetty is a weak point in the overall security of the port area. This issue will improve when the ICD is opened and storage of contains is move to a more secure location.