Mtwara Port: A Strategic Advantage
For buyers sourcing from Southern Tanzania, Mtwara Port offers a compelling alternative to routing through Dar es Salaam. The port handles over 400,000 MT of cargo annually, with cashew nuts accounting for 35–40% of export tonnage during the main season (April–September).
Container Availability and Booking
The main shipping lines operating regular services from Mtwara include Hapag-Lloyd, MSC, and CMA CGM, typically with transhipment at Dar es Salaam or Mombasa. Direct calls are limited, so lead times of 3–5 days for vessel booking confirmation are standard.
Container types typically available:
- 20ft standard (capacity: approximately 18–20 MT of bagged kernels)
- 40ft standard (capacity: approximately 22–24 MT)
- Refrigerated containers available on request for high-value shipments
Documentation Checklist for Port Clearance
- Booking confirmation from shipping line
- Verified Commercial Invoice and Packing List
- TCB Grading Certificate (original)
- Phytosanitary Certificate
- TRA Export Customs Declaration (TANCIS)
- Certificate of Origin (for preferential duty access where applicable)
Freight Rates (Indicative, Q2 2025)
20ft container from Mtwara to: Mumbai $850–$1,100 | Ho Chi Minh City $1,200–$1,500 | Rotterdam $2,200–$2,800. Rates are subject to significant seasonal variation; always confirm with your freight forwarder.
