Tanzania is set to build an import facility at Mbwamaji in Dar es Salaam port which is designed to have a storage terminal and handle 250,000-tonne tankers.
The aim of constructing the new oil terminal is to enable the swift relocation of the Kurasini Jetty; this is according to the Tanzania Ports Authority. The authority also pointed out that the new jetty will assist in meeting the local fuel demand further serve other countries like Zambia, Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Uganda and Burundi.
On the other hand, TradeMark East Africa (TMEA) confirmed that it has asked interested companies in undertaking the feasibility study and detailed engineering design for the new jetty to submit their documents by June 13 this year. The winning company will be required to provide a detailed engineering design, prepare the cost estimates, drawings of the new import facility and tender documents for procurement of a contractor before construction.
TMEA will make special recommendations for a jetty and tanks that are equipped with automatic meters, fire suppression systems, surveillance cameras and a centralized control room using the most modern terminal automation.
Their neighbouring country Kenya has also placed a similar tender for the relocation of its Kipevu fuel jetty near Dongo Kundu in Mombasa to enable it handle 200,000 tonnes tankers as the two countries compete in the handling of imported refined petroleum products for counties that are landlocked in East and Central Africa.
Further to that, the Kipevu fuel jetty will also allow offloading of tankers which have a capacity of 170,000 tonnes. It will have four berths that will facilitate import and export of crude oil, heavy fuel oil, dual purpose kerosene, diesel and petrol and it is expected to make Mombasa Sea port a major trading hub.
