The Nigerian Chamber of Shipping (NCS) and Tanzanian Shipping Company (TASHICO) have explored joint venture collaboration on ship acquisition, establishment of ship-building and repair yards, marine tourism and maritime law to enhance shipping operations in the Eastern Africa sub-region.

The Deputy Attorney General of Tanzania, Samwel Maneno, stated this when he led a delegation to engage the leadership of the NCS in Lagos, explaining the numerous opportunities for collaboration and joint ventures with TASHICO.

Maneno also expressed optimism that the Tanzanian team would learn how to replicate the Unity Shipping Worldwide, 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, 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 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.

Responding, the Vice President of NCS, Ify Akerele, stated that the Chamber and TASHICO would facilitate a stakeholders’ forum for Tanzania and Nigerian shipping operators.

Akerele said this could provide a platform for knowledge sharing for the realisation of Tanzania’s aspirations in terms of increasing its national fleet and developing inland waterways.

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.

Also speaking, 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) have 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 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.