On Wednesday, July 9, 2025, the Kribi Autonomous Port achieved an exceptional maritime feat by simultaneously welcoming four high-capacity vessels, including one nearly 400 meters long and two others over 300 meters. This megastructure, led by Patrice MELOM, has thus reached a historic milestone in Cameroon’s maritime transport sector.
A Unique Logistical Configuration
The four vessels currently docked perfectly illustrate the operational capabilities of the modern Kribi port:
- MSC China: 400-meter giant, capacity of 24,116 TEU
- APL Mexico City: 328.20 meters, capacity of 9,200 TEU
- CMA CGM Jacques Junior: 300 meters, capacity of 9,200 TEU
- Lady Babu: 176.83 meters, bulk carrier with a DWT of 33,720 tons
This logistical configuration is a first in the history of the Port of Kribi and a rare technical feat along the West African Atlantic coast, marking the successful completion of Phase 2 operations.
Operational Excellence and Outstanding Infrastructure
The success of this operation is based on cutting-edge equipment: widened quays, next-generation STS and RTG cranes, a natural depth of 16 meters, and significantly increased storage capacity. The absence of incidents since operations began is a testament to the robustness of the procedures in place.
A Strong Signal to the Sub-Region
Located on major international shipping routes, notably the Africa Express rotation, the port is asserting itself as a strategic gateway for Africa-Asia trade. This demonstration of strength reinforces its role as a major logistics hub in Central Africa and supports the national policy of import substitution and industrialization.
The Kribi Autonomous Port is thus confirming its ambition to become a continental maritime benchmark, combining exceptional technical performance with optimal geostrategic positioning to support the economic development of Cameroon and its sphere of influence.
About the Port of Kribi
Located in the South Region, Ocean Department, 35 km from the current city of Kribi, the deep-water Port of Kribi has been operational since March 2, 2018. It provides Cameroon and neighboring countries with access to the eastern Atlantic seaboard in the Gulf of Guinea and is connected to the national transport network through a multimodal communications system that links it to a hinterland covering all of Central Africa and Nigeria.
With quays built at a depth of -16 meters and modern, high-performance infrastructure, this third-generation port offers ships and cargo services that meet the highest international standards. In addition, with land reserves covering a total area of 15,000 hectares, the Port of Kribi ranks among the world’s largest industrial-port complexes and offers ideal conditions for large-scale industrial projects.
