By: IPP media

Dr Baraka Mdima, the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) acting deputy director general, said at a weekend briefing that China Metal Storage and Transport Company (CMST), Mercuria Corporation and its subsidiary Henry Bath & Son Ltd, had lately visited Tanzania to discuss potential partnerships with DP World and TPA.

An online entry described Mercuria as one of the world's leading independent energy and commodity groups, operating globally and at scale, bringing markets together to support the world's energy networks, while Henry Bath is a specialist in global commodities warehousing and logistics.

The director highlighted the strategic significance of increased efficiency at the port, driven by private sector investments, as having made made Dar es Salaam an increasingly attractive location for international businesses, declaring the confidence of the port authorities that the partnerships will further unlock the potential of Dar es Salaam as a key gateway for African trade,” he said.

Martin Jacob, the DP World (T) chief executive officer, also expressed confidence in the growing potential of the port, asserting that expected partnerships will boost the port’s operations and the logistics chain, to the benefit of Tanzania and neighbouring countries.

CMST’s entry into the African market is a significant development, as the company currently leads metal storage globally and sees Dar port as an ideal location to expand its operations. It is a Wang Haibin, president of CMST said that the firm is looking at Dar port as a key gateway for African trade. “With its growing capacity and proximity to mineral-rich regions like the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), it offers a strategic advantage for our operations," he stated.

Leo D’Offay, head of metals and minerals for Africa at Mercuria said the company, which re-entered the metals market in August 2024, is keen to establish a strong presence in Africa.

“Our strategic focus is now on Africa, and Dar port is a vital location for our expansion. We see great potential here as the volumes of trade continue to grow,” he pointed out, with Henry Bath & Son Ltd, renowned for its expertise in shipping and infrastructure, also seeing Dar as a crucial entry point into the African market.

Peter Waszkis, its CEO,l said the firm here to explore how it can best establish itself in Africa. “Dar’s strategic location and its growing role in Sub-Saharan Africa trade make it an essential hub for our operations,” he added.