On November 21, Zijin Mining, a leading global metals miner, launched a new bulk carrier on Lake Tanganyika, Tanzania, creating a shipping link between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Tanzania through inland waterway transport. The route is a key part of Zijin’s strategy to support its DRC operations through an eastern logistics corridor in Africa. The vessel, Golden Voyage No.1, was inaugurated in the presence of Tanzania’s Transport Minister, Hon. Prof. Makame Mbarawa.
Built using an innovative “modular fabrication and local assembly” approach, the ship measures 70.08 meters in length and 15 meters in width, with a 2,000-tonne carrying capacity and a cruising range of 1,000 nautical miles. The vessel’s modules were made over an intensive 11-month period in China’s Shandong Province before being shipped to Tanzania in six batches for final assembly. Three additional vessels are under construction and will be delivered later.
Designed with energy efficiency and environmental protection in mind, the vessel’s propulsion system and overall design were optimized for the complex hydrological conditions of Lake Tanganyika—the world’s second-deepest freshwater lake.
Built to International Standards
Throughout the construction process, the project team overcame multiple challenges, including a tight schedule, disruptions in the rainy season, and the complexities of cross-border transport of equipment and supplies. At every milestone, the ship passed inspections by both the China Classification Society (CCS) and the Tanzania Shipping Agencies Corporation (TASAC). From precise hull alignment and non-destructive testing of welds to equipment installation and commissioning, all steps were carried out in strict accordance with international standards. The vessel’s overall quality ranks among the best in its class.
Senior Tanzanian officials praised the project for its high-quality execution and rapid progress. They highlighted that Zijin has created local jobs and helped ease logistical challenges through the initiative, adding that it will expand shipping services and deliver a significant boost to economic growth across the region.
À propos de Zijin Mining
Zijin Mining est une entreprise mondiale leader dans le secteur des métaux et de l'exploitation minière, et l'un des plus grands producteurs mondiaux d'or, de cuivre et de zinc. La société compte plus de 30 sites miniers et projets d'envergure répartis dans 19 pays sur 5 continents. Grâce à ses solides capacités internes en matière de recherche, d'ingénierie et de développement, Zijin maintient une efficacité opérationnelle élevée à moindre coût, tant pour les acquisitions que pour les opérations. Cette approche lui permet de se positionner en tant que leader de la création de valeur, guidée par une philosophie de développement pour tous et soutenue par des performances exemplaires en matière d'environnement, de responsabilité sociale et de gouvernance. Les actions de Zijin sont cotées à la Bourse de Hong Kong (HKEX : 2899) et à la Bourse de Shanghai (SSE : 601899).