MV Liemba, Tanzania’s prominent marine transport vessel operating on Lake Tanganyika, has finally returned to service after being out of operation for at least eight consecutive years.
Earlier this week, the vessel successfully made its maiden voyage from Kigoma to Kalemie in the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), carrying both passengers and cargo.
In 2018, the Tanzania Shipping Company (TASHICO) was compelled to suspend the vessel’s operations after most of its key machinery and other essential components had deteriorated.
To address the situation, TASHICO, in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport, entered into contracts with two companies, Croatia-based Brodosplit Shipyard and Dar es Salaam Merchant Group (DMG) to undertake the major overhaul and refurbishment of the vessel.
The refurbishment works cost approximately US$13 million, equivalent to more than 34 billion/-.
TASHICO Managing Director, Mr Eric Hamissi described the development as a major milestone for the state-owned entity and Tanzania’s marine transport industry as a whole.
He said the absence of MV Liemba from Lake Tanganyika had exacerbated marine transport challenges for passengers in the Lake Tanganyika zone, expressing relief that the vessel had now returned to service.
“Most passengers were left with no option other than using cargo vessels, an option that was not appropriate under marine transport regulations,” he said.
The director hailed the government for its support in facilitating the repair works on the key vessel, as well as other projects being implemented by TASHICO.
He said TASHICO would continue implementing a series of strategies aimed at improving and enhancing the quality and efficiency of operations across all vessels under its management.
The refurbishment of the vessel included the installation of a new engine, a new generator, a new driving area and new passenger seats, as well as a special recreation area where passengers can enjoy entertainment while on board, including live music performances.
Other services have also been improved, including food services and passenger sleeping facilities.
MV Liemba Captain, Mr Titus Mnyanyi, who sailed the vessel from Kigoma to Kalemie in the DRC, expressed his delight with the refurbishment, saying the development had given the vessel a new business outlook.
“The trip was very successful because the vessel has been transformed to modern standards, making it attractive to both passengers and us as crew members,” he said.
Passengers who travelled on the vessel’s maiden voyage, particularly those from the DRC, hailed the Tanzanian government for restoring MV Liemba to operation.
According to the planned schedule, the return of MV Liemba to marine transport services will see it operate on several routes, including Kigoma-Kalemie, Uvira-Kalemie and Kigoma-Mpulungu in Zambia.
Currently, TASHICO’s vessels are providing marine transport services across all of Tanzania’s Great Lakes, as well as in the Indian Ocean, with operations supported under a government guarantee.
In 2015, when the government decided to revive the Tanzania Shipping Company (TASHICO), it found the company operating with only two vessels, MV Liemba and MV Umoja. Both vessels were in poor mechanical condition and operating unreliably.
For safety reasons, TASHICO was forced to suspend their operations, as the condition of the vessels posed significant operational and safety challenges.
Today, through government support, TASHICO has expanded its fleet to nine operational vessels serving Tanzania’s major inland waterways.
The vessels include MV Umoja, MV New Victoria, MV New Butiama, MV New Mwanza and ML Wimbi, which operate on Lake Victoria; MT Sangara and MV Liemba, which serve Lake Tanganyika; and MV Mbeya II, which operates on Lake Nyasa.