TICTS strengthens management team

Commenting on TICTS’ performance, John Meredith said, “I am encouraged by the strong growth achieved under the management of TICTS at Dar es Salaam. Container volumes grew from 123,000 teu (twenty-foot equivalent unit) in 2000, the year of concession, to 344,000 teu in 2007. TICTS has achieved an annual growth in excess of 16% year-on-year, compared with 4% growth before the concession. This achievement is particularly impressive given the space constraint in a port built for an optimal capacity of 250,000 teu. Such achievements are made possible by a strong team of 500 employees working at TICTS.”

TICTS has already invested US$21m since the start of the concession, a figure that exceeds the original investment plans at the time of privatisation. David Cotty, chief executive officer of TICTS said, “Since the start of the concession, TICTS has brought in 11 RTG (rubber-tyred gantry) cranes, four reachstackers, two mobile harbour cranes, 17 terminal tractors and two empty handlers. A further US$60m will be invested in equipment and civil improvements over the next five years. The Government’s approval on the extension of the concession contract to 2025 is crucial for the long-term development of the port and has made these investments possible.”

Looking ahead, Mr. Meredith said, “TICTS remains committed to the development of the container terminal facility, with an effort to make Dar es Salaam the most efficient port in East Africa.” He called for all stakeholders to work constructively together to act on viable solutions to facilitate the efficiency of the port operation, saying, “We are prepared to work with all parties to overcome any outstanding issues that TICTS faces.”