Port Overview 

The Port of Douala is accessed through a channel measuring 50km that requires constant dredging. The draught level at Wouri Channel is 5.5m plus tide from 1.85m to 2.9m. Tide variance is between 0.3m at low water and to 2.9m at high water. The draught permitting vessels movements are fixed 1 hour before high tide for berthing or sailing, but no later than 1 hour after. 

Towing is compulsory for vessels above 10,000 tpl.  There are presently 3 tug boats operating in the port. Piloting is compulsory for all vessels. 

Working hours: 

• 2 shifts: 0730hrs - 1700hrs and 1730hrs - 0630hrs 
• Port overtime: Saturday, Sunday, National holidays and after 1800hrs on normal days. 

Holidays: 

• 1^st January : New Year Day [Not workable] 
• 11^th February: Youth Day 
• [Variable] March: Easter Day 
• 1^st May: Labour Day [Not workable] 
• 5^th May: Ascension 
• 20^th May: National day [Not workable] 
• 15^th August: Assumption 
• 25^th December: Christmas day [Not workable] 
• Unfixed: Ramadan & Tabaski

[Not workable day: port operation stopped 1800hrs the day before and resumed 0700hrs the day after. No operation, no sailing or berthing during closure period]          

Port website:  www.pad.cm 

Key port information may also be found at Maritime Database. 

Port Picture

Description and Contacts of Key Companies 

The main clearing agents at the port of Douala are presented in the table below.

For more information on port contacts, please see the following link: 4.4 Cameroon Port and Waterways Company Contact List

Discharge Rates and Terminal Handling Charges

Source: DIT Douala 2006-2019 

The Douala port authority gave the following rates for Tug and Line Handling Services - these are for 2019 though were originally set in 2005.

Conventional Cargo 

Containerized cargo 

The Douala port authority gave the same rate in 2019 which is unchanged since 2005. The official rates are still as per the following attachments: 

Douala Tariffs 1

Douala Tariffs 2

Douala Tariffs 3

General Cargo Handling Berths

Port Handling Equipment 

Important investments have made in recent years to improve stevedoring at the port of Douala. The concession in 2004 of the containers’ terminal to a private company (Douala International Terminal), a joint-venture between APMT, Bolloré Group and Cameroonians operators) should therefore be viewed as part of the effort of the Cameroonian government to equip the port with modern handling equipment, especially for containers. 

It should be mentioned that bagging machines could be made available in case of bulk cargo. This possibility exists with Nectar. 

Gantry cranes at Douala

Container Facilities 

Most of the terminal had been resurfaced, either tarmac or cobbles, allowing equipment to operate efficiently. Four gantry cranes are functioning which can carry more than 16 mph each. 20 Stevedores have been well trained to operate the cranes. Shore handling equipment is in good order and has sufficient capacity to cope with volume of vessels. Equipment comprises of Top lifters, Reach-stackers and Forklifts that are supplied by the stevedores. The storage/repair yard equipment is modern and in good working order. 

Storage Facilities 

There are 22 hectares of stacking area, 28,000 m² of quay strip and terminal buildings.  

The terminal (Container Terminal ITS GIE) itself has 3 berths and can handle over 5,000 TEU full containers in its stacking area. 15 metres separates stacks, allowing terminal equipment to work. Space is also allocated for Ro-Ro and quay allows cargo/equipment to move around terminal efficiently. 

Stevedoring

The number of dockers at the port of Douala is estimated at about 2,000. They are managed by a joint-venture established by main port operators. 

Security 

The port of Douala has been ISPS compliant since July 1^st 2004.