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In a strategic move for knowledge sharing and networking to reshape the maritime prospects of East Africa, the Tanzanian Shipping Company (TASHICO) is exploring a partnership with Nigerian Chamber of Shipping (NCS) to enhance shipping operations.
A rich Tanzanian delegation led by the Deputy Attorney General of Tanzania, Mr. Samwel Maneno, engaged the leadership of NCS in Lagos explaining the numerous opportunities for collaboration and joint ventures with TASHICO.
Speaking after a 2-hour deliberation, the Vice President of Nigerian Chamber of Shipping, Ify Akerele, stated that the Chamber and TASHICO would facilitate a formal stakeholders forum for Tanzania and Nigerian shipping operators.
Akerele opined that the forum, either online or onsite, could provide a platform for knowledge sharing for the realisation of Tanzania’s aspirations in terms of increasing their national fleet and developing inland waterways.
Describing the NCS as a network and advocacy platform for the Nigerian maritime industry, Akerele said that, like a web network, NCS provides linkages to sectors and industries deeply involved in the blue economy as well as those ancillary to it.
“We have also helped set up similar chambers across the West African subregion. We have made several of such interventions across nations for the shipping sector and will be just ready to replicate such mentorship to Tanzania,” Akerele said.
While the terms for the partnership are yet to be fully developed, both groups expressed optimism that it would deepen inland waterways development and unlock vast opportunities in Tanzania’s blue economy and the entire East African region even as it promises rewarding investment opportunities for Nigerian operators.
Earlier, the head of the Tanzanian delegation, Mr. Samwel Maneno, outlined possible areas for collaboration to include joint-ventures for ship acquisition, establishment of ship building and repair yards, marine tourism, maritime law, among others.
Maneno expressed optimism that the Tanzanian team would learn how to replicate the Unity Shipping Worldwide which is the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) joint venture with Caverton Offshore Support Group and Stena Bulk to enhance maritime transportation in Nigeria and West Africa.
While giving a presentation, the Managing Director of TASHICO, Mr. Eric Hamissi, disclosed that the company owns 18 ships but needs more vessels to strengthen operations in the Eastern Africa sub-region.
Noting that Tanzania has a population of over 68 million and the nation has a geographic advantage to service the shipping needs of other nations including DR Congo’s over 100 million populace, Hamissi stressed that opportunities abound for investments in ships for TASHICO.
Meanwhile, a Governing Board member of the NCS, Mr. Mina Oforiokuma, explained how the full deregulation of the nation’s oil sector and the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) has created new shipping opportunities for Nigeria.
Oforiokuma also shared insights on the approach which led to the NNPC joint venture with Caverton and Sterna Bulk and the vessels that have been acquired.
He equally commended the massive transformation of Tanzania under the administration of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, even as he charged the delegation to also explore partnerships for gas exploration.
The meeting also featured presentations by some Nigerian shipping firms like Sea Transport Group, Oceanic Marine, Stac Marine and Intership.
On her part, the NCS Director General, Mrs. Vivian Chimezie-Azubuike, remarked that the Tanzanian team could also explore attendance of strategic maritime conferences to network and engage leading Nigerian shipping stakeholders.
The event was graced by the Tanzanian Ambassador to Nigeria, High Commissioner Selestine Gervas Kakele, who delivered the opening remarks for the Tanzanian delegation.
