Tanzania Launches Africa’s Largest Freshwater Passenger Ship on Lake Victoria
Dar es Salaam/Mwanza. Prime Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba has officially launched the MV New Mwanza, the largest freshwater passenger ship in Africa, marking a significant milestone in Tanzania’s maritime transport sector.
The state-of-the-art vessel, now operating on Lake Victoria, features four decks and measures 92.6 metres in length, 17 metres in width, with a weight of 3,500 tonnes. The ship can accommodate 1,200 passengers, 20 vehicles, and 400 tonnes of cargo, travelling at a speed of 16 knots (approximately 30 km/h). This reduces travel time between Mwanza and Bukoba to six to seven hours, compared to the previous eight to ten hours.
During the launch ceremony on January 23, 2026, Dr Nchemba directed the Ministry of Transport to ensure that the technical skills acquired during the ship’s construction are utilized in future maritime projects. He also instructed the Tanzania Shipping Company (Tashico) to collaborate with all stakeholders to guarantee passenger safety, proper vessel maintenance, and operations that enhance diplomacy, trade, and regional relations.
Tashico CEO Eric Hamissi revealed that the ship’s construction provided valuable hands-on training for Tanzanian professionals in ship design, hull assembly, launching procedures, and trial voyages.
Built by Korean contractors Gas Entec Ship-Building Engineering and Kang Nam Corporation in partnership with Suma JKT, the vessel cost over Sh120 billion. MV New Mwanza offers six passenger classes: a VVIP deck for two passengers, VIP deck for four, first class for 60, business class 2 for 100, second class for 200, and economy class for 834 passengers. Onboard amenities include food and beverage services, musical entertainment, and recreational facilities.
The vessel is equipped with a lift accommodating 20 passengers, a medical clinic, designated seating for pregnant and breastfeeding passengers, and a multi-purpose hall for weddings and celebrations. Advanced safety systems can automatically send distress alerts to rescue stations in Mwanza, Kisumu, Mombasa, Dar es Salaam, and open lake areas without requiring captain intervention.
Two large cargo doors facilitate efficient loading and unloading operations. Additional amenities include electricity supply, clean water systems, air conditioning, spacious kitchens, long-term food storage facilities, first aid capabilities, parent rooms, and a comprehensive waste management system.
Transport Minister Prof Makame Mbarawa assured the public that passenger and cargo fares will remain affordable and competitive, while Tashico maintains reliable schedules, passenger safety standards, maintenance protocols, cleanliness, and professional staffing.
Parliamentary Infrastructure Committee Chairperson Selemani Kakoso praised the government for completing the project and declared the Lake Zone debt-free. He encouraged authorities to continue developing critical infrastructure, including the Kigongo-Busisi Bridge, Mwanza International Airport, and the Dodoma-Tabora section of the Standard Gauge Railway.
Dr Nchemba also directed public institutions, parastatals, and local authorities to redirect funds from non-essential expenses toward development projects. He called for a comprehensive review of all delayed projects and banned the use of public funds for items such as calendars, greeting cards, beverages, flowers, and unnecessary vehicle purchases, urging ministries to prioritize ongoing infrastructure development.
The Prime Minister urged regional and local leaders to focus on citizens’ welfare, ensuring mayors, council chairpersons, and their deputies prioritize public needs throughout their five-year terms.
