The Tanzanian Shipping Company (TASHICO) is working towards a partnership with the Nigerian Chamber of Shipping (NCS) to expand fleet capacity, develop shipbuilding, and strengthen inland waterways operations in East Africa.
A Tanzanian delegation led by Deputy Attorney General, Samwel Maneno, met NCS executives in Lagos to discuss joint ventures and operational cooperation. The meeting explored opportunities in ship acquisition, shipyard development, marine tourism, and maritime law.
Vice President of the NCS, Ify Akerele, said the Chamber would organise a stakeholders’ forum, either virtual or physical, to enable knowledge exchange between operators in both countries. She described the NCS as an advocacy and networking platform for Nigeria’s maritime industry, noting its role in establishing similar chambers in West Africa.
Maneno said Tanzania was interested in adopting Nigeria’s Unity Shipping Worldwide model – a partnership between the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), Caverton Offshore Support Group, and Stena Bulk – to improve maritime transportation in the region.
TASHICO Managing Director, Eric Hamissi, said the company owns 18 vessels but requires more to meet operational demand in Eastern Africa. He noted Tanzania’s strategic location to serve markets such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, which has over 100 million people, presenting significant shipping potential.
NCS Governing Board member, Mina Oforiokuma, said Nigeria’s petroleum sector deregulation and the Petroleum Industry Act had opened new shipping opportunities. He encouraged the Tanzanian delegation to explore gas exploration partnerships.
Presentations were made by Nigerian shipping companies, including Sea Transport Group, Oceanic Marine, Stac Marine, and Intership.
NCS Director General, Vivian Chimezie-Azubuike, urged the delegation to attend maritime conferences in Nigeria to meet industry stakeholders.
The meeting was attended by Tanzania’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Selestine Gervas Kakele, who delivered the opening remarks.