DOUALA

• CMDLA
• Latitude: 4.04625
• Longitude: 9.70311
• West Africa
• Port in Cameroon

Location: Douala Cameroon

Douala Port, officially known as the Port of Douala, is the largest and busiest maritime port in Cameroon. Located in the economic capital of Douala on the Wouri River, the port is a key hub for maritime trade in Central Africa and serves as a major gateway for goods entering and leaving the region. Here are the main descriptions and specifications of the Port of Douala:

General Information:

• Location: Douala, Littoral Region, Cameroon
• Coordinates: Approximately 4.05° N latitude and 9.70° E longitude
• Management: Managed by the Port Authority of Douala (PAD - Port Autonome de Douala), a state-owned entity.

Port Infrastructure:

1. Terminals and Facilities:

   • Container Terminal: The port has a well-established container terminal equipped with modern cranes and handling equipment.
   • Bulk Terminals: Facilities for handling both dry and liquid bulk cargoes, including grains, cement, and petroleum products.
   • General Cargo Terminal: Dedicated areas for non-containerized general cargo, such as machinery, metals, and miscellaneous goods.
   • Oil and Gas Facilities: Specialized terminals for the import and export of petroleum products.

2. Berths and Quays:

   • Number of Berths: Approximately 15 berths available for various types of vessels.
   • Quay Length: The total quay length is around 1,500 meters.
   • Draft Depth: The draft varies but is generally around 7-10 meters, which accommodates medium to large-sized vessels. Ongoing dredging operations seek to improve the navigability and accommodate larger ships.

3. Storage and Warehousing:

   • Extensive warehousing space available for both bonded and non-bonded cargo.
   • Open storage yards for bulk and general cargo.

Operations:

• Cargo Throughput: Handles a diverse range of goods including containers, bulk commodities, general cargo, and petrochemicals.
• Annual Capacity: The port's container terminal has an annual capacity exceeding 300,000 TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units), although it varies with ongoing upgrades and expansions.
• Navigation: Vessels navigate through the Wouri River with the assistance of experienced pilots.

Services:

• Pilotage: Mandatory for all vessels entering and leaving the port.
• Tug Services: Available to assist in docking and undocking operations.
• Customs and Inspections: Comprehensive customs services provided on-site to facilitate smooth clearance of goods.
• Security: A well-coordinated security framework is in place to ensure the safety and security of cargo and personnel, including compliance with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.

Connectivity:

• Road Access: Direct links to major highways connecting to the rest of Cameroon and neighboring countries.
• Rail Access: Connected to the Camrail railway network, providing inland linkages.
• Inland Waterways: Facilities for inland waterway transport up the Wouri River and beyond.

Development and Modernization:

• The Port of Douala is frequently undergoing upgrades and modernization to meet increasing trade demands, improve efficiency, and handle larger ships. Ongoing projects may include dredging activities, expansion of terminal areas, and modernization of equipment.

Economic Importance:

• The port plays a crucial role in the economic development of Cameroon and the Central African region by facilitating international trade and commerce. It serves not only Cameroon but also landlocked countries such as Chad and the Central African Republic.

Overall, the Port of Douala is an essential asset for the economic infrastructure of Cameroon and a significant point of entry and exit for maritime trade in Central Africa.