Joseph Isangura
The Dar es Salaam Port has introduced a new system known as Fixed Berthing Windows (FBW) at its second container terminal.
The change marks a shift from the traditional first-come-first-served approach to a more structured, scheduled method of docking ships.
The idea is simple but powerful: instead of ships waiting for days just to find a slot to offload their cargo, they are now given a set time in advance—much like an appointment. This means better planning for shipping companies and faster delivery for businesses waiting on goods.
The system has been rolled out at Terminal 2, a vital part of the port’s operations, which currently handles over 80% of all container traffic passing through the country. With an annual capacity of around 0.82 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), Terminal 2 plays a key role in connecting Tanzania to global trade routes.
Officials say the new FBW approach is already bringing results. Vessels are spending less time idling at sea or in the harbour, and turnaround times have improved significantly. That’s good news for cargo owners, shipping lines, and businesses that rely on timely imports and exports. It also reduces fuel consumption, helping cut down on emissions—an environmental win.
“This is about bringing modern practices into our port operations,” one senior port official said. “Predictability is everything in logistics. When ships know when and where to dock, everyone down the line benefits.”
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Terminal 2 is managed under a long-term partnership with international logistics players who have committed to investing in port infrastructure and service delivery. This collaboration is seen as a key driver behind the push to modernize the country’s maritime services.
Importers, freight agents, and transporters are already noticing the difference. “We used to wait endlessly,” said one Dar es Salaam-based shipping agent. “Now we can plan more accurately and reduce unnecessary costs.”
The implementation of Fixed Berthing Windows is part of broader efforts to upgrade the port into a world-class hub for the region. It’s also a clear sign that local logistics are catching up with international standards.
With demand for trade and transport services on the rise, especially across East and Southern Africa, port officials believe the success of this new system will serve as a model for future improvements across other terminals.
