Feature: Emerging Chinese-built harbor links past, present and future in Tanzania

Abstract : A gentle sea breeze stirs the trees on a quiet island off the southeastern coast of Tanzania. Here lie the ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani, once a bustling port on the Indian Ocean trade route, where ships loaded with gold, spices, and porcelain gathered in significant numbers.

An aerial drone photo taken on April 23, 2025 shows the Kilwa Fishing Harbor under construction near Kilwa Kisiwani, Tanzania. The project, constructed by China Harbor Engineering Company Ltd (CHEC), a leading Chinese construction company, is Tanzania's first modern large-scale fishing harbor. Covering about 5.6 hectares, it is designed to handle 60,000 tonnes of fish annually and can dock deep-sea fishing vessels, according to Chen Zhifeng, vice project manager of the CHEC Tanzania maritime project department. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)

by Xinhua writer Hua Hongli

DAR ES SALAAM, June 9 (Xinhua) -- A gentle sea breeze stirs the trees on a quiet island off the southeastern coast of Tanzania. Here lie the ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani, once a bustling port on the Indian Ocean trade route, where ships loaded with gold, spices, and porcelain gathered in significant numbers.

Now, just across the water, another port is taking shape. The Kilwa Fishing Harbor, dubbed a "port of the future," is rising with ambition.

A 315-meter-long jetty extends into the ocean like a steel arm. Nearby, construction is in full swing on cold storage facilities, a trading market, office buildings, and a sewage treatment plant. This new harbor is expected to anchor Tanzania's blue economy for years to come.

Historical records show that Chinese navigator Zheng He led massive fleets during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 AD) on seven expeditions to the Indian Ocean, reaching as far as East Africa and the Red Sea.

"Many pieces of Chinese porcelain have been unearthed at the Kilwa Kisiwani site. It shows how long the friendship between Tanzania and China has existed," said Shomari Rajabu Shomari, historical curator of the National Museum of Tanzania.

"Six hundred years ago, the Chinese came in peace to trade. Now, six hundred years later, they are helping us build a port that leads to prosperity," he told Xinhua in an interview, pointing to an old chart of a 15th-century Chinese fleet.

The project, constructed by China Harbor Engineering Company Ltd (CHEC), a leading Chinese construction company, is Tanzania's first modern large-scale fishing harbor. Covering about 5.6 hectares, it is designed to handle 60,000 tonnes of fish annually and can dock deep-sea fishing vessels, according to Chen Zhifeng, vice project manager of the CHEC Tanzania maritime project department.

The project is expected to be completed in September. Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan attended the groundbreaking ceremony in 2023, emphasizing its significance to the national economy and people's livelihoods.

Tanzania boasts abundant marine resources, and the waters around the Kilwa District lie along the migration route of tuna. Yet, for years, the lack of modern fishing facilities has forced local fishermen to maneuver small boats close to the shore. Without proper cold storage, their catch spoils easily, resulting in unstable incomes.

The fishermen's hardship mirrors a major bottleneck hindering Tanzania's development of a blue economy. While the East African country has an extensive coastline, its deep-sea fishing capacity remains limited.

"Once completed, the cold storage and trading facilities will solve the preservation problem. Fishermen won't have to worry about unsold catch, and deep-sea fishing will be viable," said Chen.

At the construction site, nearly 600 direct jobs have been created, including skilled roles like welders, crane operators, and excavator drivers.

"Each Chinese engineer mentors a dozen or so Tanzanian workers, occasionally entrusting them with independent operation. This approach to training has enhanced the practical skills of local workers," said Edwin Christopher, the project's human resources and administration manager. "We believe that after the project, these trained workers will be capable of holding jobs in related sectors."

The Chinese company is committed to sustainability as well. For the surrounding mangroves, they have established protective boundaries where machinery is prohibited. An environmental team conducts monthly beach cleanups to remove marine waste. Additionally, to ensure visitor experience and safety at the ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani, a boarding ladder was relocated away from the construction zone.

On a sightseeing boat, local guide Daudi Gideon gazed at the emerging fishing harbor, his eyes glittering with anticipation.

"When visitors come to see Kilwa Kisiwani, they will also see this remarkable new port. Once it's completed, more people will come to learn about our history and witness our new chapter," he envisioned.

People work at the construction site of the Kilwa Fishing Harbor near Kilwa Kisiwani, Tanzania, on April 23, 2025. The project, constructed by China Harbor Engineering Company Ltd (CHEC), a leading Chinese construction company, is Tanzania's first modern large-scale fishing harbor. Covering about 5.6 hectares, it is designed to handle 60,000 tonnes of fish annually and can dock deep-sea fishing vessels, according to Chen Zhifeng, vice project manager of the CHEC Tanzania maritime project department. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)