MKOANI

• Latitude: -5.35764
• Longitude: 39.6403
• East Africa
• Port in Tanzania

Location: Tanzania

Marine Port: Mkoani, Tanzania

General Description:

Mkoani Port is situated on the southwestern coast of Pemba Island, which is part of the Zanzibar Archipelago in Tanzania. This port is one of the primary maritime gateways for the island, facilitating both passenger and cargo transportation. The port plays a crucial role in connecting Pemba with the mainland of Tanzania and other islands in the Zanzibar Archipelago.

Key Specifications:

• Location:

  • Coordinates: Approximately 5.3537° S latitude and 39.6885° E longitude.
  • Region: Pemba Island, Zanzibar Archipelago, Tanzania.

• Port Facilities:

  • Berths: Mkoani Port has a few berths that accommodate different types of vessels, including cargo ships, ferries, and fishing boats.
  • Passenger Terminal: The port has facilities to handle passenger traffic, with regular ferry services connecting to Unguja Island (Zanzibar) and the Tanzanian mainland.
  • Cargo Handling: Although smaller in scale compared to some of the larger ports in Tanzania, Mkoani Port handles various types of cargo, including agricultural products, consumer goods, and essential commodities for the island's population.

• Port Services:

  • Customs and Immigration: Facilities for customs and immigration to handle passenger and cargo clearance.
  • Storage Facilities: Warehouses and open storage areas for handling and storing goods.
  • Fishing Activities: The port supports local fishing activities with docking and offloading facilities for fishing vessels.

• Navigation and Access:

  • Approach: The port approach is generally safe but does require careful navigation due to surrounding reefs and tidal conditions.
  • Navigational Aids: The port is equipped with necessary maritime navigational aids for safe entry and exit of vessels.

• Connectivity:

  • Road Access: Mkoani is connected to the rest of Pemba Island via a network of roads, facilitating the transport of goods and passengers to and from the port.
  • Ferry Services: Regular ferry services link Mkoani to Unguja (Zanzibar) and mainland Tanzania, crucial for the movement of people and goods.

• Future Developments:

  • Infrastructure Improvements: There are ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure at Mkoani Port to boost its capacity and efficiency. This includes potential upgrades to cargo handling equipment and port facilities to better serve the growing needs of the island.

Economic and Social Significance:

• Economic Role: Mkoani Port is vital for the economic sustenance of Pemba Island. It supports local trade, fishing, and tourism, which are significant contributors to the island's economy.
• Social Impact: The port provides essential connectivity for residents, enabling movement for work, education, healthcare, and other social activities. It also plays a role in ensuring the supply of daily necessities and commodities to the island.

In conclusion, Mkoani Port, though smaller compared to international standards, remains a critical maritime hub for Pemba Island, facilitating crucial economic and social activities and fostering connectivity within the Zanzibar Archipelago and beyond.