Fiberglass Boats in Tanzania, unlimited potential

Dhow-Licious continues to set the standard for innovation and craftsmanship in fibreglass boats in Tanzania, combining technical precision, client-centric design, and sustainable marine solutions.

The company’s most recent collaboration with the Ministry of Blue Economy and Fisheries, Zanzibar, stands as a prime example of how local manufacturing can meet — and exceed — government and community needs.

Understanding the Client’s Vision

Before production, our engineering and design team held extensive consultations with ministry representatives to gain first-hand insight into their operational challenges and priorities. The meetings focused on durability in shallow-water conditions, fuel efficiency, multi-purpose use, and vessel stability — critical factors for boats operating in Pemba’s demanding coastal environment.

By listening closely to the ministry’s requirements, Dhow-Licious translated these insights into a practical, high-performance solution: a custom-built fibreglass patrol, fishing, and ferry boat, fully adapted to the unique needs of Zanzibar’s Blue Economy initiatives, particularly in Pemba.

Precision Engineering and Custom Design

Each fibreglass boat manufactured in Tanzania by Dhow‑Licious follows a rigorous, quality-controlled process. From mould design to lamination and finishing, every phase is handled with expert care to ensure long-term strength, reduced maintenance, and superior performance in tropical marine conditions.

For the Zanzibar project, Dhow-Licious developed a one-of-a-kind vessel fitted with a reliable outboard motor, combining the versatility of a patrol boat with the functionality of a fishing and transport vessel. The design incorporates:

• Reinforced hull structures for enhanced stability in shallow waters

• A lightweight yet durable fibreglass body, ideal for long-term use in saline environments

• Ergonomic seating and safety fittings to improve comfort and onboard mobility

• Engine mountings engineered for balance and efficiency

Within modern boat-manufacturing circles, the advantages of fiberglass material are well-documented. For example:

• Fibreglass boats offer durability and longevity, resisting rot, decay, and corrosion better than wood or certain metals.

• They require lower maintenance, thanks to non-porous surfaces and gel-coat finishes, which reduce painting, sealing, and general upkeep.

• The material enables versatility in moulding and customisation, allowing complex hull shapes, integrated fittings, and bespoke layouts — key for boats tailored to specific client requests (like patrol/fishing/ferry hybrid use).

*By leveraging these material strengths, Dhow-Licious can deliver boats that not only meet client specifications (such as those of the Ministry of Blue Economy and Fisheries Zanzibar) but also offer operational advantages: longer service life, fewer downtime hours for maintenance, and greater adaptability in vessel role and design. For example, the vessel delivered to Pemba includes a custom layout to serve as patrol, fishing and ferry craft — a bespoke solution made viable by the flexibility of fibreglass construction.

Advancing the Blue Economy Through Innovation

The deployment of the customised boat in Pemba supports the government’s broader goal of strengthening maritime operations, artisanal fishing, and coastal transportation within the framework of the Blue Economy. Dhow-Licious’s ability to respond directly to technical and environmental specifications reinforces its leadership among boat manufacturers in Tanzania and demonstrates the impact of public-private collaboration on sustainable marine development.

As demand grows for fiberglass boats in Zanzibar and along Tanzania’s coastline, Dhow-Licious continues to expand its production capabilities, offering vessels suited for tourism, fishing, transport, and government operations — all designed with a balance of innovation, safety, and efficiency.

By prioritising client collaboration, craftsmanship, and customisation, Dhow-Licious exemplifies how Tanzanian manufacturing can achieve world-class standards while advancing national Blue Economy objectives. The Pemba project stands as a model of excellence in design and partnership — a reflection of Dhow-Licious’s enduring commitment to quality and community impact.