The largest freshwater vessel in East Africa has been floated. Tanzania honored the float ceremony on Lake Victoria.
The dubbed MV Mwanza Hapa Kazi Tu is domestically manufactured freshwater passenger and cargo ship that can carry 1,200 passengers, 400 tonnes of cargo, 20 small vehicles and three trucks. The ship’s construction began in January 2019 and was led by two South Korean companies, Gas Entec and KangNam Corporation.
Eric Hamissi, the chief executive officer of Tanzania’s Marine Services Company Limited noted the ship is currently 82 percent complete. The 92.6 metre-long, 17-metre wide and 20-metre-high vessel will cost the taxpayers over Tsh100 billion (US$43 million).
“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 four months. The next phase includes finishing internal aesthetics such as paintwork, fixing air conditioners, beds, and toilets and installing navigation equipment. Until now, the contractor has been paid more than 93.8 billion by the government, and when he completes the work, the remaining amount will be paid,” said Eric Hamissi.
The ship, launched at the Mwanza South Port, upon completion, the ship will weigh 3,500 tonnes. MV Mwanza’s design includes an elevator section for people with disabilities, a clinic to provide health services, a disco and facilities for a music band to entertain passengers.
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. The vessel will have a VVIP section for national leaders as well as regular VIP facilities including a first-class section with a capacity for 60 people, business class for 100 people and second class for 200 people.
“The last will be the economy class which will be carrying 834 passengers and, in this class, passengers will enjoy a modern ambience with maximum relaxation, enabling them to tour comfortably,” said Hamissi.
Economic growth
The Tanzanian government expects the ship to stimulate economic growth, especially after the 2026 railway project (SGR) completion from Dar es Salaam to Mwanza. Tanzania’s Deputy Minister for Works and Transport Atupele Mwakibete said that the ship would help “open new markets inside and outside the country by starting new trips that will help facilitate commercial, business, tourism and private trips”.