National Oil Company of Malawi (Nocma) says that Tanga port in Tanzania has become a viable option for fuel imports as other ports nearer like Dar es Salaam and Beira in Mozambique will remain congested until mid this year.
According to Nocma spokesperson Raymond Likambale, despite that Tanga is at least 1,600 kilometers from Malawi, the port offers faster operations, better roads and has the ability to move over 200 fuel tankers daily.
Likambale made the remarks today during a media tour of Tanga port.
He admitted that the first shipment through Tanga faced delays but was quick to point out that improvements were made, adding that Tanzanian port authorities resolved earlier system issues, and tankers can now be released on the same day.
He said: “Currently, our teams are working diligently to finalise the next Government-to-Government consignment,
“Nocma is cognisant of the long distance from Malawi to Tanga, but the good conditions of the road and the port’s product handling efficiency and infrastructural capacity mitigate this concern.”
Meanwhile, Tanga terminal technical manager for GBP Enerst Lawuo, whose company handles the fuel shipment and storage, said it is cheaper for Malawi to utilise the port.
