Due to the failure of the scheme the port immediately lost value and the railway line was removed.

The port was functional but underutilized for many years due to poor transport infrastructure,[4] However, in the years of 2010-2011 the increased activity in oil and gas natural resources energy exploration caused a surge on operations.

[7] The port has historically handled very little cargo due to the lack of large industries in the area.

[9] The port handles 400,000 metric tonnes of cargo annually and constitutes to less than 5% of the total countries cargo movement, however, the government plans to upgrade the port drastically to facilitate trade in the southern part of the country.

[6] The harbour is an integral part of the Mtwara Development Corridor project.