Tanzania has floated East Africa’s largest-ever domestically manufactured fresh water passenger and cargo ship, the MV Mwanza Hapa Kazi Tu, on Lake Victoria.
The ship, launched at the Mwanza South Port on February 12, can carry 1,200 passengers, 400 tons of cargo, 20 small vehicles and three trucks. It is currently 82% complete.
“Up to this point of float-out, we can say the ship is complete and the remaining 18 per cent is just minor installations that will be done in less than four months,” said Eric Hamissi, the Chief Executive Officer of Tanzania’s Marine Services Company Limited
Hamissi explained that the next phase included finishing internal aesthetics, including paintwork, fixing air conditioners, beds, and toilets and installing navigation equipment.
The ship’s construction began in January 2019 and was led by two South Korean companies; Gas Entec and KangNam Corporation. The 92.6 metre-long, 17-metre wide, and 20-metre-high vessel will cost the taxpayers over Tsh100 billion (US$43 million).
“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 Hamissi.
Upon completion, the ship will weigh 3,500 tons, an increase of 500 tons from the current 3,000 tons.
The 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.
