Title: Voices from the Dock: Understanding Risk Management Challenges in Marine Engineering Operations at Dar es Salaam Port
Authors: Stephen Ndimangwa Mziray
Volume: 10
Issue: 7
Pages: 193-204
Publication Date: 2026/07/28
Abstract:
Risk management plays a vital role in ensuring the safety, reliability, and efficiency of marine engineering operations, particularly in busy commercial ports where engineering activities involve complex technical and operational risks. This study explored stakeholders' experiences and perceptions regarding risk management challenges in marine engineering operations at Dar es Salaam Port. Specifically, the study explored stakeholders' experiences regarding the factors influencing risk management practices and examined the practical challenges and barriers that hinder effective risk management as described by workers on the dock. The study adopted a qualitative research approach involving a purposively selected sample of 17 participants comprising marine engineers, maintenance personnel, technical supervisors, safety officers, port operations officers, and representatives from relevant maritime organizations operating at Dar es Salaam Port. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings revealed that stakeholders perceived organizational commitment, employee competence, teamwork, communication, technical capacity, and environmental conditions as important factors influencing risk management practices. Participants also identified operational resource constraints, maintenance limitations, administrative delays, communication gaps, and coordination challenges as significant barriers affecting effective risk management. While existing safety procedures and management systems contributed to reducing workplace risks, their effectiveness was influenced by resource availability, institutional support, and the ability of organizations to respond promptly to identified hazards. The study concluded that effective risk management in marine engineering operations requires a balanced approach that integrates technical competence, organizational commitment, efficient administrative systems, and adequate operational resources. The study contributes context-specific qualitative evidence on stakeholders' experiences of risk management challenges at Dar es Salaam Port and provides insights that may support improvements in marine engineering safety management and future research in maritime risk management.