Zanzibar launches new Kilimanjaro 9, Dragon of the sea vessel to speed up transportation across the Indian Ocean
A new large speedboat which connects the Zanzibar Islands of Unguja and Pemba with the Tanzania mainland has been officially launched signaling a new era in marine transportation on the Indian Ocean.
With a capacity to carry 631 comfortably seated passengers, the new Kilimanjaro IX ferry with a tagline of Dragon of the sea was flagged off by the Isles President Hussein Ali Mwinyi as other government officials looked on.
The vessel is operated by Azam Marine Limited, an outfit under the Bakhresa Group of companies, which owns several other giant speedboats ferrying people and goods between Zanzibar and the mainland Tanzania.
Launched at Mtoni Verde bay, the new Kilimanjaro 9, Dragon of the Sea was built in China and this time features advanced waste water management and treatment system, which according to the Chief Executive Officer of Azam Marine Limited, Aboubakar Aziz, signals the company’s dedication to environment protection.
On his President Hussein Ali Mwinyi described maritime transport as the backbone of Zanzibar development, precisely blue economy, tourism and trade, pointing out that over 90 percent of goods, products and raw materials get shipped on water.
“The Indian Ocean is lifeline of Zanzibar Island,” he stated during the ship’s launch.
Mwinyi reminded that his government was also in the process of building three new seaports, at Fumba, Pemba and Unguja.
The Kilimanjaro IX flagging off event was described to highlight the role of the private sector in driving economic transformation on the Isles.
It was reported during the event that Azam Marine Limited, has invested US$150 million in modern sea vessels and related infrastructure and in the process therefore, creating 281 jobs for Tanzanians.
On the other hand, the Zanzibar Investment Promotion Authority (ZIPA) reports US$ 6.8 billion worth of registered enterprising projects, generating 28,000 direct jobs, signaling growing confidence in Zanzibar’s investment climate.
There are two ferry routes connecting the Tanzanian mainland to the Isles.
There are vessels plying from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar and Mkoani to Zanzibar.
Sailing frequency can change throughout the year and often, the routes increase during peak season.