Title: Exploring the Role of Digital Technologies in Improving Marine Engineering Management Efficiency. A Case of Dar es Salaam Port
Authors: Stephen Ndimangwa Mziray
Volume: 10
Issue: 7
Pages: 215-226
Publication Date: 2026/07/28
Abstract:
Marine engineering management has increasingly adopted digital technologies to improve operational efficiency, maintenance planning, and engineering decision-making in modern ports. Despite ongoing digital transformation initiatives at Dar es Salaam Port, limited empirical evidence exists on stakeholders' experiences with these technologies and their perceived influence on marine engineering management efficiency. This article explored the role of digital technologies in improving marine engineering management efficiency at Dar es Salaam Port by examining stakeholders' experiences with digital technologies and their perceptions of their influence on management efficiency. The study employed a qualitative case study design involving 25 purposively selected participants, including marine engineers, maintenance engineers, ICT officers, port operations managers, technical managers, mechanical engineers, Tanzania Ports Authority officials, and Tanzania Shipping Agencies Corporation representatives. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings revealed that Internet of Things (IoT) sensors were the most widely used digital technology, while artificial intelligence and Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) were moderately utilized, and blockchain technology remained minimally adopted. Stakeholders reported improvements in equipment monitoring, maintenance planning, operational performance, engineering decision-making, and resource utilization, although challenges related to limited system integration, inadequate digital infrastructure, insufficient technical capacity, and continued reliance on conventional engineering practices persisted. The findings demonstrated that digital technologies strengthened marine engineering management efficiency at Dar es Salaam Port, while highlighting the need for greater technological integration and institutional capacity to maximize their benefits. These findings contribute to the growing body of knowledge on digital transformation in maritime engineering management and provide empirical evidence to support future digitalization initiatives within Tanzanian ports.