Dar es Salaam. The Port of Dar es Salaam has marked a historic milestone by receiving its largest and longest container vessel to date, the 304.40-metre-long MSC STELLA, demonstrating the success of government-led infrastructure upgrades under the Dar es Salaam Maritime Gateway Project (DMGP).
The vessel, whose length is equivalent to three consecutive football pitches, arrived from Jebel Ali Port in Dubai, one of the world’s largest ports, cementing Dar es Salaam’s growing prominence on the international shipping map.
The arrival of MSC STELLA underscores the port’s enhanced capacity to handle large vessels at international standards, a feat made possible by deepening the entrance channel, reinforcing quays, upgrading port operational coordination systems, and improving service delivery efficiency.
Speaking on the milestone, Director of Vessel Services and Port Operations Coordination, Capt Abdullah Mwingamno, said the arrival of the vessel reflects significant government investment, noting that the port can now accommodate ships up to 320 metres in length.
“While the world’s largest container vessels reach approximately 405 metres, these upgrades bring Dar es Salaam Port steadily closer to global standards, while also boosting government revenue, operational efficiency, and cargo service quality,” Capt Mwingamno said.
He expressed gratitude to the government for its substantial investment in the port sector, emphasising that the improvements have strengthened regional competitiveness and positioned Tanzania as a key trade and shipping hub for East and Central Africa.
