Tanzania Launches MV New Mwanza, Africa’s Largest Freshwater Passenger Ship

Mwanza — Tanzania has officially launched the MV New Mwanza, Africa’s largest freshwater passenger vessel, in a landmark development set to transform maritime transport and regional connectivity across Lake Victoria.

The ship was commissioned on January 23, 2026, in Mwanza, during a ceremony led by Prime Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba and attended by Minister of Works and Transport Prof Makame Mbarawa, senior government officials, and regional leaders.

Built at a cost exceeding Shs120 billion (about $47 million), MV New Mwanza was constructed by Korean firms Gas Entec Ship-Building Engineering and Kang Nam Corporation in partnership with Tanzania’s Suma JKT. The vessel is operated by the Tanzania Shipping Company (Tashico).

Described by officials as the largest freshwater passenger ship in Africa and on Lake Victoria, the four-deck vessel measures 92.6 metres in length and 17 metres in width, with a displacement of 3,500 tonnes. It can carry up to 1,200 passengers across six classes, 20 vehicles, and 400 tonnes of cargo, travelling at a speed of 16 knots (about 30 kilometres per hour).

The new ship is expected to cut travel time on the Mwanza–Bukoba route to six or seven hours, down from the previous eight to 10 hours, significantly improving efficiency for passengers and traders.

Speaking at the launch, Prime Minister Nchemba urged authorities to build on the expertise gained during the project and ensure the vessel strengthens safety, trade and regional ties.

He urged the Ministry of Transport to ensure that the skills gained during the ship’s construction are applied in future projects.

He also called on the Tanzania Shipping Company (Tashico) to work closely with stakeholders to guarantee passenger safety, proper maintenance, and operations that promote diplomacy, trade, and regional relations. He emphasised the importance of complying with insurance regulations.

The Prime Minister also used the occasion to issue a strong message on public spending discipline, directing government institutions to prioritise development projects.

He directed public institutions, parastatals, and local authorities to redirect funds from non-essential expenses to development projects. He called for a review of all delayed projects and banned the use of public funds for items such as calendars, cards, drinks, flowers, and unnecessary vehicle purchases, urging ministries to prioritise ongoing infrastructure works.

He further urged regional and local leaders to focus on service delivery, saying elected leaders must prioritise citizens’ welfare throughout their five-year terms.

Tashico Chief Executive Officer Eric Hamissi said the construction of MV New Mwanza went beyond delivering a modern vessel and helped build local technical capacity.

“The ship’s construction provided hands-on training for Tanzanians in areas such as design, hull assembly, launching, and trial voyages,” Hamissi said, describing MV New Mwanza as “the largest freshwater vessel in Africa.”

Transport Minister Prof Makame Mbarawa assured passengers and traders that affordability and safety would remain central to operations.

He assured that passenger and cargo fares will remain affordable and competitive, while Tashico ensures reliable schedules, passenger safety, maintenance, cleanliness, and professional staff.

The ship is equipped with advanced facilities, including a passenger lift with a 20-person capacity, an onboard medical clinic, special seating for pregnant and breastfeeding passengers, air conditioning, clean water and electricity supply, kitchens, waste management systems, recreational areas, and a multipurpose hall for events such as weddings.

It also features automated safety alert systems linked to rescue stations in Mwanza, Kisumu, Mombasa, Dar es Salaam and on the open lake, as well as large cargo doors to speed up loading and unloading.

Chairperson of Parliament’s Infrastructure Committee, Selemani Kakoso, praised the government for completing the project and called for continued investment in major infrastructure.

He commended the government for completing the project and declared the Lake Zone debt-free. He urged authorities to continue developing infrastructure, including the Kigongo-Busisi Bridge, Mwanza International Airport, and the Dodoma-Tabora section of the Standard Gauge Railway.

The launch of MV New Mwanza is seen as a major boost to lake transport, trade and people-to-people movement between Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya, underscoring the country’s push for self-reliance in infrastructure development and stronger regional integration within the East African Community.