DIVERSIFICATION OF MTWARA PORT TO START SOON

The Director General of Export Processing Zones Authority (EPZA), Dr Adelhelm Meru (second right) receives a dummy cheque from a Senior Project Manager of MAC Group Limited, Mr Nagarayan Sankaranarayanan for developing Mtwara Freeport Zone.

MAC Group Limited in partnership with Pacific International Lines of Singapore will invest in the Mtwara Freeport Zone (MFPZ) and develop an Oilfield Supply base.

The firms which are shareholders of Altus Oilfield Services FPZ Ltd presented a USD 526,280 cheque to the developer of MFPZ, the Export Processing Zones Authority (EPZA) yesterday as a step toward realizing the objective.

Last month, EPZA entered an agreement with Altus Oilfield Services FPZ and other three firms that will offer various services to multinational companies dealing with oil and gas exploration in the area.

Other three companies are Schlumberger Seaco Inc from United States, Tans Ocean Industries and Services from Dubai and Lenna from Iran.

EPZA is developing a 10 hectare area which is part of Mtwara Freeport zone. The 10 hectare area is part of a 110 hectares of Mtwara Freeport area that has been designated by the government for investment purposes.

Specifically, the 10 hectares are being developed into what is called Oil Field Supply Base where various companies will be allocated land to set up infrastructure needed to service companies now engaged in oil and gas exploration.

Speaking during the event, MAC Group representative, Mr Nagarayan Sankaranarayanan said the move was part of its growth strategies and stepping up efforts to contribute towards the fledging oil and gas sector.

“Our aspiration is that the EPZA and MFPZ’s Oilfield Service Operators shall jointly fast-track the development of MFPZ with adequate infrastructure and resources to balance the capacities across the entire tri-stream oil and gas value chain,” he said.

He said that the development of oil and gas supply base is imperative to maximise the economic benefits derived from the existing and future developments on the South Eastern Bay.

The EPZA Director General, Dr Adelhelm Meru, hailed the move, saying that it was the dream come true. He said the coming of the companies has huge benefits for the country in terms of job creation and raising government revenue.