UN/LOCODE TZ DAR: Port of Dar es Salaam Port, Tanzania — Seaport
Location
| Coordinates | -6.82, 39.29 |
|---|---|
| Country | Tanzania |
| Function | Tanzania's Primary Port, Central Corridor to Central Africa |
| Authority | Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) |
Physical Specifications
| Max Draft | 14.5m (container), 12.0m (general cargo) |
|---|---|
| Channel Depth | 15.0m |
| Tide Range | 3.5m |
| Berth Length | 600m (container), 2,500m (total) |
| Anchorage Depth | 20m |
Administrative
| Customs Code | TZDAR |
|---|---|
| IMO Facility No. | Yes |
| Working Hours | 24/7 |
| ISPS Compliance | Yes (Level 1) |
| VHF Channel | 16 (Call), 12 (Port Ops) |
| Port Website | www.ports.go.tz |
Commercial & Logistics
| Annual Volume | 1,200,000 |
|---|---|
| Primary Cargo Types | Container, Coffee, Cotton, Tea, Copper (Zambia transit), Tobacco, Petroleum Products |
| Vessel Types | Container, RoRo, Bulk, Tanker, General Cargo |
| Free Trade Zone | Yes (Dar es Salaam EPZ) |
| Bunker Fuel | IFO 380, VLSFO, MGO |
| Nearest Airport | DAR (12km) |
| Rail Connection | On-dock (TAZARA Railway to Zambia, Central Railway to Kigoma) |
| Highway Access | A4 (Dar es Salaam-Morogoro), A7 (to Zambia) |
| Inland Depots | Dar EPZ CFS, Isaka ICD (Zambia corridor), Kigoma ICD (lake port) |
Trade Intelligence: Dar es Salaam Port
Dar es Salaam Port is classified as a Seaport with annual throughput of 1,200,000. The port handles Container, Coffee, Cotton, Tea, Copper (Zambia transit), Tobacco, Petroleum Products. As Tanzania's Primary Port, Central Corridor to Central Africa, Dar es Salaam Port plays a critical role in Tanzania's trade infrastructure. Shippers should confirm berth availability, draft restrictions, and ISPS security levels directly with Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) before scheduling vessel calls.
Port History
Dar es Salaam port was developed by the German colonial administration in the early 1900s as the terminus of the Central Railway. After years of underinvestment, the port received a $335 million World Bank-funded modernization in 2018-2022, deepening berths and improving equipment. The port serves Tanzania and landlocked Zambia, DRC, Malawi, and Burundi via the TAZARA railway and Central Corridor.
Authority: Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the LOCODE for Dar es Salaam Port?
The UN/LOCODE is TZ DAR. Use in bills of lading and customs declarations.
What trade routes connect to Dar es Salaam Port?
Dar es Salaam Port serves as Tanzania's Primary Port, Central Corridor to Central Africa. KE MSA, AE DXB, SG SIN, IN NVA, ZA DUR, NL RTM
How do I find shipping schedules?
Contact Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) or query carriers (Maersk, MSC, CMA CGM) using LOCODE TZ DAR.
Data Sources & Provenance
Port specifications compiled from:
- UNECE UN/LOCODE Directory — United Nations official location codes
- Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) — official port authority
- IMO GISIS — maritime facility database
Updated: July 25, 2026. For reference only. Not for navigation.