Marine Forwarding

Port guide · UN/LOCODE TZ DAR

Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania

Tanzania · 6.82° S, 39.30° E

The World Port Index classes Dar Es Salaam as a natural coastal harbor on the Indian Ocean. It records a channel depth of 9.4 m and a cargo pier depth of 7.9 m. Norfolk is 12,730 km away in a straight line.

12,730 km from Norfolk, Virginia, in a straight line.
Channel depth
9.4 m
Cargo pier depth
7.9 m
From Norfolk
12,730 kmGreat-circle distance
Nearest port guide
Tanga190 km away

Depths and vessel limits

Channel depth
9.4 m
Anchorage depth
12.5 m
Cargo pier depth
7.9 m
Oil terminal depth
11 m
Tidal range
3 m

As recorded in the World Port Index. Gauges run from 0 to 25 m. Confirm current depths and limits with the port before you fix a vessel.

Facilities on record

Arrival and entry

Dar Es Salaam is listed as a first port of entry. Pilotage is compulsory.

First port of entry
Yes
Pilotage compulsory
Yes
Pilotage available
Yes
Pilotage advisable
Yes
Tug assistance
Yes
Arrival notice (ETA message) required
Yes
Shelter afforded
Excellent
Entrance restricted by tide
Yes
Entrance restricted by swell
No
Entrance restricted by ice
No

Cargo handling

The heaviest lift class recorded is 100 tons and over.

Wharves
Yes
Anchorage
Yes
Fixed cranes
Yes
Mobile cranes
Yes
Floating cranes
Yes
Lifts of 100 tons and over
Yes
Lifts of 25 to 49 tons
Yes
Lifts up to 24 tons
Yes
Longshore labor
Yes
Railway
Small

Services and supplies

Repair capability is rated limited.

Repairs
Limited
Fuel oil
Yes
Diesel oil
Yes
Potable water
Yes
Provisions
Yes
Deck supplies
No
Engine supplies
No
Shore electricity
Yes
Medical facilities
Yes
Garbage disposal
Yes
Dirty ballast disposal
No
Airport
Yes

US trade with Tanzania

US exports, 2025
$194.4MLed by machinery and mechanical appliances
US imports, 2025
$241.7MLed by coffee, tea and spices

Top goods, trade terms and port guides for Tanzania

Other ports in Tanzania

The nearest is Tanga, 190 km away in a straight line.

Sources

  • US trade figures: US Census Bureau, International Trade API, HS2 total exports and general imports for calendar 2024 and 2025, retrieved November 4, 2026.
  • Port data: National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, World Port Index (Pub 150), from NGA's UpdatedPub150.csv as captured by the Internet Archive on September 29, 2026.
  • Distances are great-circle distances computed from World Port Index coordinates, not sailing distances.
  • Map: Natural Earth 1:110m land, public domain.