Tanzanian authorities are taking essential steps to secure their maritime gateways, supported by IMO through the EU-funded Port Security Project.
A training for port facility security officers in Dar Es Salaam, home to the country’s largest port was organized by IMO (30 September – 4 October). The port handles over 90% of Tanzanian trade while serving as an access route to landlocked countries such as Malawi, Zambia, Burundi and Rwanda.
The national workshop was attended by 21 participants from the Ministry of Transport, Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA), Tanzania Shipping Agency Corporation (TASAC), Zanzibar Maritime Authority (ZMA), and Zanzibar Ports Corporation (ZPC).
The training equipped participants with the tools and knowledge needed to develop and implement Port Facility Security Plans (PFSPs). These plans are essential for complying with international regulations such as SOLAS Chapter XI-2 and the ISPS Code, which provide global security standards for ports. They aim to safeguard maritime operations against threats such as terrorism, smuggling, and piracy, while promoting safer and more efficient trade routes.
In addition to four days of intensive training, a one-day security awareness session was held to raise awareness among general port personnel about their critical role in maintaining port security.
The workshop was part of a broader initiative – the Port Security Project – focused on improving port security across nine countries in Eastern and Southern Africa, in alignment with Africa’s 2050 Integrated Maritime Strategy. The training followed a similar port security workshop in Mombasa, Kenya.