Zanzibar Ports Corporation (ZPC) has entered into a concession agreement with Zanzibar Ferry Development Company (ZF Devco), a Dutch development firm, to embark on the construction of a cutting-edge passenger and RoRo ferry terminal within the Zanzibar archipelago, situated in Tanzania.
The primary objective of this initiative is to alleviate the persistent congestion issues plaguing the aging Malindi port in Kenya, located just over 300 kilometers to the north.
Dubbed the Maruhubi project, the development of the new port will be executed in two distinct phases, involving a substantial estimated investment exceeding US$350 million.
Phase 1, with a budget of US$250 million, will focus on the construction of the requisite marine infrastructure and ferry terminals.
Phase 2, requiring an investment ranging between US$100 million to US$150 million, will encompass the establishment of a special economic zone, along with hospitality amenities, retail spaces, logistics hubs, office complexes, and a sizable exhibition hall.
The anticipated timeline for the completion of both phases of the project is set at 36 months from the commencement of construction.
Hussein Mwinyi, the President of Zanzibar, hailed the project as a testament to the Zanzibar government's commitment to collaboration with the private sector. He emphasized that this partnership would play a pivotal role in unlocking the economic potential of Zanzibar.
ZF Devco operates as part of an international consortium comprising Dutch and Tanzanian entities, including Delta Marine Consultants, OrangeGaia, Kengo TZ, Borgh Go, TSCON, Equa-serve, Kimsons, C Concept Design, and DISC.