Port guide · UN/LOCODE TZ MYW
Mtwara, Tanzania
Tanzania · 10.27° S, 40.20° E
The World Port Index classes Mtwara as a coastal harbor sheltered by breakwaters on the Indian Ocean. It records a channel depth of 20.1 m and a cargo pier depth of 9.4 m. Norfolk is 13,040 km away in a straight line.
- Channel depth
- 20.1 m
- Cargo pier depth
- 9.4 m
- From Norfolk
- 13,040 kmGreat-circle distance
- Nearest port guide
- Dar Es Salaam400 km away
Depths and vessel limits
Of the 3 ports in Tanzania with guides here, Mtwara records the deepest cargo pier in the index.
- Channel depth
- 20.1 m
- Anchorage depth
- 4.9 m
- Cargo pier depth
- 9.4 m
- Oil terminal depth
- 9.4 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
Pilotage is compulsory.
- First port of entry
- No
- Pilotage compulsory
- Yes
- Pilotage available
- Yes
- Pilotage advisable
- Yes
- Tug assistance
- Yes
- Arrival notice (ETA message) required
- Yes
- Shelter afforded
- Good
- Entrance restricted by tide
- No
- Entrance restricted by swell
- Yes
- Entrance restricted by ice
- No
Cargo handling
The heaviest lift class recorded is 25 to 49 tons.
- Wharves
- Yes
- Anchorage
- Yes
- Mobile cranes
- Yes
- Lifts of 25 to 49 tons
- Yes
- Lifts up to 24 tons
- Yes
- Longshore labor
- Yes
Services and supplies
Repair capability is rated emergency only.
- Repairs
- Emergency Only
- Fuel oil
- No
- Diesel oil
- No
- Potable water
- Yes
- Provisions
- No
- 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
Other ports in Tanzania
The nearest is Dar Es Salaam, 400 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.