Uncertainty surrounds the offloading of a vessel carrying coal from Tanzania, which has been stranded at Chipoka Port in Salima for three weeks amid a dispute between the Ministry of Transport and Public Works and Tamie Investments.
The Tanzanian-registered vessel, MV Njombe, arrived at Monkey Bay in Mangochi on July 12 2026, carrying about 1 100 metric tonnes (MT) of coal destined for Portland Cement in Balaka.
It was initially scheduled to offload at Monkey Bay but was redirected to Chipoka by the Ministry of Transport and Public Works over clearance issues.
The decision triggered a legal dispute, with Tamie Investments obtaining a court injunction restraining the government from taking steps to return the vessel.
In an interview, the company’s lawyer Khwima Mchizi said the dispute arose after the government argued that the vessel was operating without the required authorisation.
He said the company obtained the injunction to prevent the government from implementing measures that could have economic consequences for his client.
“However, the legal issues have since been resolved, leaving only operational and technical matters before the coal could be offloaded,” said Mchizi.
Attorney General Frank Mbeta assured that the vessel will be allowed to offload its cargo, saying the government will comply with the court order.
A letter dated November 6 2026 from the Attorney General’s office also advises the Ministry of Transport and Public Works to comply with the law, including court orders.
However, Mbeta neither confirmed nor denied the authenticity of the letter.
Ministry of Transport and Public Works spokesperson Chikondi Chimala said Chipoka Port had been non-operational for over two decades, constraining waterborne trade and transportation on Lake Malawi.
Last Thursday, concerns were raised that prevailing high temperatures could increase the risk of the coal catching fire. The vessel’s extended stay has also raised questions over sanitation and other safety concerns.
