Mwanza. The modern passenger vessel MV New Mwanza was officially launched today, January 23, 2026, by the Prime Minister, Dr Mwigulu Nchemba, in a ceremony held at Mwanza South Port.
The four-deck vessel measures 92.6 metres in length, 17 metres in width and has a gross weight of 3,500 tonnes.
It has the capacity to carry up to 1,200 passengers, 400 tonnes of cargo and 20 vehicles, three of which are heavy vehicles.
Following the launch, Dr Nchemba formally bestowed the vessel with the name MV New Mwanza.
Speaking at the event, Dr Nchemba said the commissioning of the vessel marked a major step in the government’s drive to modernise lake transport and enhance safety and efficiency on Lake Victoria.
He noted that reliable maritime transport is critical to economic growth, trade facilitation and social connectivity within the Lake Zone.
“Ensure strict adherence to safety standards and called on passengers to protect the vessel and use it responsibly, describing the ship as a national asset meant to serve current and future generations,” Dr Nchemba urged operators.
Earlier, the minister for Transport, Prof Makame Mbarawa, said the MV New Mwanza had been constructed at a cost of Sh120.56 billion by Korean contractor Gas Entec Ship-Building in collaboration with the Tanzania Shipping Agencies Corporation (Tashico).
Prof Mbarawa explained that the vessel was built using advanced maritime technology and had undergone six successful trial voyages between Mwanza and Bukoba since March 2025.
He said the trials demonstrated high efficiency and safety standards, prompting the Tanzania Shipping Agencies Corporation (TASAC) to certify the vessel and grant approval for commercial operations.
“This ship is a product of modern engineering and rigorous testing. The regulator has been satisfied with its quality and readiness to serve the public,” he said.
According to Prof Mbarawa, MV New Mwanza is the largest vessel operating within the Great Lakes region and is expected to significantly improve passenger and cargo movement across Lake Victoria.
He added that the vessel will help reduce congestion, improve reliability and lower transport costs for traders and travellers.
Mwanza Regional Commissioner, Said Mtanda, welcomed the launch, saying it would strengthen regional trade links and boost economic activities between Mwanza and other lake regions, including Kagera and neighbouring countries.
The launch of MV New Mwanza forms part of broader government efforts to revive and modernise inland water transport through investment in vessels, ports and regulatory oversight, aimed at improving safety and restoring public confidence in lake transport services.
