Port of Tanga
The Port of Tanga is the second largest port in Tanzania. It is located on Tanga Bay in Central ward of Tanga District of Tanga Region.
History
Historically the port city part of the Portuguese and Arab gateway for the slave and ivory trade. In the 1880s, the region fell under German control as part of the Tanganyika Territory. During this period, European influence led to the modernization of the city's facilities, and in 1914, the port itself was established. To support the growing maritime activities, a 240-meter quay wall was constructed in 1918. As a gateway for exports from northern Tanzania, including sisal, coffee, and cotton, the port played a vital role. Its connectivity expanded as the Usambara railway extended westward, linking the port to Moshi by rail. Following World War I, the territory came under British control, and in 1954, the British authorities constructed a second quay wall, measuring 141 meters in length, further enhancing the port's capabilities.Post Colonial
Following Tanzania's Ujamaa policies, which resulted in declining agricultural productivity in the country, the port experienced a decline in its significance. Despite this, it remained the second largest port in Tanzania. To stimulate post activities and generate revenue, the government permitted fuel consignments to be imported through the port of Tanga.Recognizing the need to relieve strain on the Dar-es-Salaam port, in 2017, the Tanzanian government made the decision to expand the facilities of the Tanga port. This expansion project, initiated over a century after the port's initial development, involved the construction of new walls, dredging work, and the acquisition of new port machinery. These measures successfully increased the port's capacity from handling 700,000 tons per year to 1.2 million tons, thereby enhancing its overall capabilities.