The government of Tanzania, through the Dar es Salaam Maritime Institute (DMI), has benefited from the Blue Economy Project and a Training Center aimed at enhancing human resources, clean technology, and community welfare in the maritime sector.
This was highlighted by the Director of DMI, Prof. Tumaini Gurumo, as he presented the project during a side meeting at the ongoing 30th United Nations Conference on Climate Change (COP 30) in Belem, Brazil.
While presenting the project report valued at $65.26 million, Prof. Tumaini stated that the use of electric boats would reduce operational costs for fishermen by approximately 50%, decreasing from an average of $12,800 to $6,400 annually.
"Through this project, DMI will acquire a modern training vessel with a capacity of 7,500 GT, an innovation center for building electric boats, along with a network of 15 service centers for after-sales support and electric boat charging stations," he added.
"Over the next five years, the project is expected to produce more than 3,000 specialists in maritime, engineering, and marine trades, construct and deploy 750 green boats equipped with electric engines, and reduce carbon emissions by over 50% from modern small boats," he stated.
Additionally, Prof. Tumaini mentioned that the implementation of this project will assist 100 households annually in seaweed farming and marine life cultivation in an environmentally friendly manner, while also building community capacity through training in clean technology, research, and innovation.
He emphasized that this project aligns directly with the National Development Vision 2050, the Blue Economy Policy 2024, the SDGs Goals 4, 8, 13, and 14, as well as the IMO goals for reducing carbon emissions in the maritime sector.
The blue economy represents a vast area of untapped opportunities that, if utilized properly, could serve as the backbone of national development transformations due to the presence of large water source areas.
Due to this significance, the Office of the Vice President has established a dedicated unit to coordinate the blue economy. Additionally, the government has launched the Blue Economy Policy (2024) along with its strategy to enhance the economy and strengthen robust initiatives in development.