Over 55,000 tonnes of coal have been exported through Mtwara Port to European and Asian countries, including Belgium, France and Spain.
Between November 2021 and September 2022, 548,000 tonnes of coal were exported through the port, according to statistics.
Prices for thermal coal used for electricity generation have leapt to record levels as a result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
This has led to many European countries losing access to vital supplies of natural gas and coal from their top supplier, Russia.
Buyers from Europe and other regions are competing to pay dearly for coal coming from frequently inaccessible mines in nations like Tanzania, Botswana, and possibly Madagascar.
The resurgent coal demand, driven by governments trying to wean themselves off Russian energy, while keeping a lid on power prices, clashes with climate plans to shift away from fossil fuels.
Acting Mtwara port manager Mr Norbeth Kalembwe called on Tanzanian investors and businessmen to harness available opportunities by using Mtwara for export of cargo.
“Since 2021, the port has been consistently receiving large ships for the shipment of coal to various locations across the globe. We have the responsibility of ensuring that the ships’ arrival is consistently maintained for the benefit of individual players and the general public,” Mr Kalembwe said.
Source: thecitizen.co.tz
