MTWARA: MALAWI has reaffirmed its commitment to using Tanzania’s Mtwara Port as a key gateway for fuel imports after praising major infrastructure upgrades that have significantly improved the port’s capacity and operational efficiency.
This was said after a delegation of 10 energy experts from Malawi, led by Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA) Economic Regulation Specialist Alex Calvin Banda, made the remarks during a study tour at Mtwara port.
The team commended the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) for modernising the port’s oil handling facilities, saying the improvements have enhanced the efficiency of fuel transportation and strengthened regional energy trade.
During the visit, the delegation reviewed the entire fuel logistics chain, from vessel arrival and fuel discharge to storage in privately owned tanks and onward transportation by road to Malawi and other neighbouring countries.
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Mtwara Port Manager Ferdinand Nyathi said the port has expanded its fuel reception and pumping infrastructure, enabling faster transfer of petroleum products to storage facilities and improving overall service delivery.
He attributed the achievements to strong collaboration between TPA and private sector investors, which has driven investment in oil-handling infrastructure and boosted the port’s capacity to serve both Tanzania and regional markets.
Moreover, the Malawian experts also welcomed the installation of the upgraded Flow Meter system for receiving, measuring and pumping fuel, describing it as a key technological improvement that has increased the port’s ability to handle larger fuel volumes with greater accuracy and efficiency.
They said the enhanced facilities and reliable services have reinforced Malawi’s confidence in Mtwara Port, adding that the country will continue using the port as one of its principal fuel transit routes.