Bulky Investment to Modernize Tanzanian Mtwara Free Port

TWO companies have partnered to develop the offshore supply and logistic facility in Mtwara Freeport Zone with an investment outlay of 45bn/-.The companies are--Bahari
Oilfield Services FPZ Ltd, which is a Tanzanian firm and Singapore based entity, Springville Infrastructure PTE Ltd. Their investment is part of growth strategies and efforts to contribute towards the fledging oil and gas sector in the country.

The foundation stone was laid at the project site recently. Mtwara Regional Commissioner, Ms Halima Dendego and the Export Processing Zone Authority (EPZA) Director General, Mr Joseph Simbakalia graced the ceremony.

Speaking to the ‘Daily News on Saturday’ yesterday on the ambitious project, the Company General Manager, Mr Peter Wilson, pointed out that upon commissioning, the facility would provide a wide range of land based support and logistic services to the supply chain users.

He further announced that there is a plan to create a new company--Bandari Oil & Gas Terminal Ltd, whereby they will invest 400bn/-.

The investment will focus on building a modern jetty, adjoining Mtwara Freeport Zone, exclusively to provide marine support services. “The proposed quay facility will act as an eventual interface between the upstream and freeport operations,” he noted.

Until such time when aforementioned proposed dockside becomes operational, the manager noted that the users of Freeport Zone will be using the Mtwara port for marine support and vessel related services.

The deep sea gas discoveries have been able to put Tanzania in the forefront of gas exploration yielding significant reserves using leading edge technologies.

“East Africa has emerged as a region with the substantial onshore and offshore hydrocarbon reserves. We feel committed to support the oil and gas industry by using these reserves in the most conducive manner by safeguarding the social and environmental factors,” Mr Wilson asserted.

He added that being a Tanzanian company, the local content will remain their key focus to comply with the prevailing legal framework and contribute to the industrial growth.

The Bahari announced the start of first phase construction with an initial estimated investment of 10bn/- to support the activities of oil and gas industry.

Source: The Daily News