Landmark vessel strengthens regional trade, passenger travel, and East African integration
Tanzania has taken a major step forward in maritime transport with the official launch of the Mwanza, described as the largest freshwater passenger ship in Africa.
The vessel was launched by Tanzanian Prime Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba, marking a significant boost to transport infrastructure and regional connectivity on Lake Victoria.
The state-of-the-art ship officially commenced operations following a launch ceremony held on Friday. Measuring 92.6 metres in length and 17 metres in width, the Mwanza has a displacement of 3 500 tonnes spread across four decks. It can accommodate up to 1 200 passengers, transport 20 vehicles and carry 400 tonnes of cargo.
With a top speed of 16 knots (approximately 30 km/h), the vessel reduces travel time between Mwanza and Bukoba to six or seven hours, compared to the eight to ten hours required by existing ships. This improvement is expected to significantly enhance passenger convenience and cargo efficiency across the lake.
The ship was built at a cost exceeding 120 billion Tanzanian shilingi (about $47.3 million) by Korean contractors Gas Entec Ship-Building Engineering and Kang Nam Corporation, working in partnership with Tanzania’s Suma JKT.
Tanzania Shipping Company (Tashico) CEO Eric Hamissi highlighted the project’s skills transfer benefits, noting that the construction process provided hands-on training for Tanzanians in ship design, hull assembly, launching, and trial voyages. He described Mwanza as “the largest freshwater vessel in Africa”.
Advanced safety systems on board allow the ship to automatically send emergency alerts to rescue stations in Mwanza, Kisumu, Mombasa, Dar es Salaam and across the open lake, without requiring captain intervention. Two large cargo doors further enhance efficiency by enabling faster loading and unloading.
During the launch, Nchemba urged the Ministry of Transport to ensure that the skills gained during construction are applied to future shipbuilding and infrastructure projects.
He also called on Tashico to work closely with key stakeholders to guarantee passenger safety, proper maintenance and reliable operations that promote diplomacy, trade, and regional relations.
Transport Minister Makame Mbarawa reaffirmed that passenger and cargo rates would remain affordable and competitive, while ensuring reliable schedules, professional staffing, and high safety standards.
Parliamentary Infrastructure Committee Chairperson Selemani Kakoso praised the government for successfully completing the project and called for continued investment in major infrastructure developments, including the Kigongo–Busisi Bridge, Mwanza International Airport, and the Dodoma–Tabora section of the Standard Gauge Railway.
Nchemba further instructed public institutions and local authorities to redirect funds from non-essential expenditure towards development-focused projects.
The launch of the Mwanza is expected to significantly strengthen passenger mobility and trade across Lake Victoria, supporting deeper integration within the East African Community and enhancing economic ties between Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda.