Summary
The boat is important to TASHICO because it is sometimes used for commercial activities, including towing cargo barges from one port to another.
TANZANIA: THE Tanzania Shipping Company Limited (TASHICO) is working on a 7.5bn worth project for the renovation of MT Ukerewe, the key tug boat operating on Lake Victoria.
The ongoing rehabilitation which is now at good pace of implementation is being carried out by the Dar es Salaam Merchant Group (DMG) contractor.
Briefing over the development, the Project Manager for the vessel on the TASHICO side, Eng. Hildegrius Rweyemamu said that MT Ukerewe is a very important vessel due to its unique role in providing assistance such as towing, maneuvering, and refloating stranded ships.
” The boat is also important to TASHICO because it is sometimes used for commercial activities, including towing cargo barges from one port to another,” he informed.
He explained that the project commenced in early April 22, 2024, and was expected to be completed in February 2024.
However, due to reasons beyond control, Eng. Rweyemamu observed that the project has been extended to April 2026.
“There are challenges that frequently arise in rehabilitation projects, especially for vessels that have remained idle for a long time. When work begins on identified areas, other issues that were not initially detected tend to emerge,” he detailed.
He however revealed that works for the renovation of the boat has reached 72 percent completion, and 90 percent of the required equipment has already arrived at the project site.
According to him, TASHICO owns 19 vessels and one boat designated for tourism and security operations, added that the company continues to implement several projects in Lake Victoria and Lake Tanganyika in accordance with the government’s 2025/2026 budget plan.
“Under the government’s 2025/2026 budget plan, funds have been allocated for additional projects in Lakes Victoria, Tanganyika, and Nyasa,” he noted.
Dwelling on the other ogoing project, he said the state- owned marine transportation entity was currently working on rehabilitation of MV Liemba, the facility which sails on Lake Tanganyika.
Detailing on further planned projects, he said in Lake Victoria, there will be rehabilitation of MT Nyangumi and MV Clarias, alongside the construction of a 3,000-ton cargo vessel.
“In Lake Tanganyika, TASHICO will rehabilitate MV Mwongozo, construct a passenger vessel with capacity for 600 passengers and 400 tons of cargo, build a 3,500-ton cargo vessel, and establish a shipbuilding yard,” he added, saying in Lake Nyasa, TASHICO will rehabilitate MV Songea.
Out of the 19 vessels that TASHICO owns, at least eight boats are currently operational, according to him.
These include MV New Mwanza, MV Umoja, New Victoria, MV Wimbi, and New Butiama (on Lake Victoria); MT Sangara (Lake Tanganyika); and MV Mbeya II and MV Njombe which serves on Lake Nyasa.
TASHICO is a Tanzanian government-owned maritime company founded in 1997, based in Mwanza. It operates cargo and passenger vessels across Lakes Victoria, Tanganyika, and Nyasa, connecting Tanzania to neighboring countries.
