Marine Services Company Limited (MSCL)

Marine Services Company Limited (MSCL), now operating as Tanzania Shipping Company Limited (TASHICO) since November 18, 2024, is a state-owned enterprise based in Mwanza, Tanzania. Established on December 8, 1997, following its separation from the Tanzania Railways Corporation, MSCL has been pivotal in providing maritime transport services across the African Great Lakes—Victoria, Tanganyika, and Nyasa—facilitating both passenger and cargo movement to neighboring countries such as Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Zambia, and Malawi .

Services and Operations

MSCL operates a diverse fleet comprising 15 vessels, including passenger-cargo ships, oil tankers, a wagon ferry, a tugboat, self-propelled barges, and a tourist boat. These vessels are strategically deployed: nine on Lake Victoria, three on Lake Tanganyika, and two on Lake Nyasa . Notable vessels include:

• MV Victoria: Originally commissioned in 1961, this vessel underwent refurbishment and resumed service in August 2020 under the name “New Victoria,” operating between Bukoba and Mwanza .

• MV Butiama: Built in 1980 and refurbished in 2020, it serves the Mwanza–Nansio route on Ukerewe Island, accommodating up to 180 passengers and 100 tonnes of cargo

• MV Mwongozo: Operating on Lake Tanganyika, this ferry can carry up to 800 passengers and 80 tonnes of cargo, typically running between Kigoma and Bujumbura .

• MV Serengeti: A vehicular and passenger ferry built in 1988, currently operating in tramp trade on Lake Victoria .

Strategic Development

In alignment with its Second Corporate Strategic Plan (2021/22–2025/26), MSCL aims to enhance maritime transport services by:

• Rehabilitating existing vessels, with two already completed and plans for five more.

• Constructing new vessels, including a wagon ferry for Lake Victoria, two vessels for Lake Tanganyika (one passenger-cargo and one cargo carrier), and a cargo vessel for oceanic routes.

These initiatives are designed to bolster Tanzania’s position as an international gateway for land-linked neighboring countries, facilitating improved trade and connectivity .

Organizational Structure and Vision

MSCL is wholly owned by the Tanzanian Government through the Treasury Registrar and operates under the Ministry of Transport. The company’s headquarters are in Mwanza, with branch offices in Kigoma and Kyela, and liaison offices in Dar es Salaam and Kampala .

MSCL’s vision is to be the most safe, competitive, reliable, and customer-oriented marine transportation company in its areas of operation .

Contact Information

• Website: www.mscl.co.tz

• Email: info@mscl.co.tz

• Phone: +255 28 250 3079 / +255 739 606 600