The ship, which was launched on February 12 at Mwanza South Port, can carry 1,200 people, 400 tonnes of cargo, 20 light cars and three trucks. It is now 82% complete.
Construction of the vessel began in January 2019 and is led by two South Korean businesses, Gas Entec and KangNam Corporation. Taxpayers will pay more than Tsh100 billion (US$43 million) for the warship which is 92.6 meters long, 17 meters wide, and 20 meters high.
Considering Tanzania’s dependence on the blue economy, in particular, its island cousin Zanzibar, this ship will help bring economic opportunities through the country’s water resources. Last year, Zanzibar welcomed 1000 tourists via a cruise ship docked at the Port of Dar es Salaam from Egypt as part of a 71-day trip on the Grand Africa Voyage.
The Dutch ship is 237.7 meters (780 ft) long and belongs to Holland America Lines but with the MV Mwanza Hapa Kazi Tu, the voyage can turn revenue back to the Tanzanian government.
Tanzania’s Deputy Minister of Works and Transport Atupele Mwakibete noted that MV Mwanza Hapa Kazi Tu will help “opening new markets inside and outside the country by starting new journeys that will facilitate commercial, business, tourism and personal travel”.
According to the CEO of Tanzania’s Marine Services Company Limited, Eric Hamissi, the ship is almost complete with some minor tweaks. “Up to this float-out point, we can say that the ship has been completed and 18% is still only a small installation that will be carried out in less than four months,” said.
The ship is intended to sail through Lake Victoria, Jinja, and Portbell in Uganda, Kisumu in Kenya, and Mwanza, Bukoba, Kemondo, and Musoma in Tanzania.
The yacht will contain a VVIP area for national leaders as well as standard VIP facilities such as a first class section with a capacity of 60 people, a business class section with a capacity of 100 people, and a second class section with a capacity of 200 people.
“The last one is the economy class that will carry 834 passengers and, in this class, passengers will enjoy a modern atmosphere with maximum relaxation, so that they can travel in comfort,” said Hamidi.