Agency Details
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Delmas Cameroon (CMA-CGM Group)
5 Boulevard de la Liberte,
Immeuble Saga Direction (1st floor)
Douala
Cameroon
Tel: (+237) 3342 88 36
Fax: (+237) 3342 14 23
E-Mail: dlo.cfandeu@african-agency.com

Click here for a list of all OTAL agency offices

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Douala Port Information
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Port Infrastructure

Douala is situated on the southeastern shore of the Wouri River estuary, on the Atlantic coast about 130 miles (210 km) west of Yaoundé. The Wouri Bridge, 5,900 feet (1,800 m) long, joins Douala to the banana port of Bonabéri and carries both road and rail traffic to western Cameroon.

The city is connected by road to all major towns in Cameroon, has rail links to Kumba, Nkongsamba, Yaoundé, and Ngaoundéré, and is served by an international airport.

One of the major industrial centres of central Africa, Douala houses breweries, textile factories, and palm-oil, soap, and food-processing plants. It also produces building materials, metalwork, plastics, glass, paper, bicycles, and timber products. Other activities include boat and ship repairing, railway engineering, and radio assembly. Offshore reserves of natural gas had not been exploited by the mid-1990s.

Douala port is located 24km up stream on the left hand bank on the River Wouri.

Douala is mainly an export port for timber, cocoa, coffee, bananas, cotton and aluminium. Douala's deepwater port handles most of the country's overseas trade. It has special installations for handling timber products, bananas, gasoline, and bauxite, as well as fishing facilities. Imports include chemicals, fuel, cereals and building equipment.

There are 11 cargo berths in total, 9 of which are used for general cargo with 58,000m² of warehousing. There is also 380,000m² of open storage space and 8,000m² of cold storage available.

Douala also has a timber port providing 200,000m² of stacking yards.

OTAL calls at the Container Terminal ITS GIE details are as follows:

Click here to view our local agent, SAGA's access and infrastructural review on Douala port.

Privatisation & Terminal Improvements

ITS have completed a number of improvements in the terminal which have increased efficiency and turn around time for OTAL vessels.

Most of the terminal had been resurfaced, either tarmac or cobbles, allowing equipment to operate efficiently. Two gantry cranes are now in place which can average 16 mph, however terminal estimated that figure will increase to up to 20 mph. There are twenty Stevdores being trained to operate the cranes, 9 now hold certificates. Shore handling equipment is in good order and has sufficient capacity to cope with volume of our vessels. Additional trailers are also being purchased.

Equipment comprises of Toplifters, Reach-stackers and Forklifts that are supplied by the stevedores. The terminal does not operate its own trailers and tugs, at present these are hired locally. Special trailers were reported to be ordered for gantry operations. This would speed up operations during discharge as aligning containers on conventional trailers is slowing operations. The storage/repair yard equipment is modern and in good working order.

Inland Trucking Services

OTAL provides customers with a trucking service, transporting cargo to, from and within Cameroon. OTAL also acts as a major handler of transit cargo for Chad.

OTAL offers through transport services using a single document, the Combined Transport Bill of Lading (CBTL). With track and trace facilities in place we are able to track exactly where your cargo is every step of the way.

For further information on OTAL's inland services from Douala please click here.

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Transport News
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Cameroon Strikes EU Trade Deal
Cameroon's parliament has authorised the president to sign an interim trade deal with the European Union, joining a growing number of poor nations inking 11th-hour accords before preferential trade terms expire. The EU is rushing to strike basic interim deals with the comparatively better off former colonies to avoid disruption to their goods exports when preferential terms expire on Dec. 31.

The Cameroon national assembly adopted a bill on 12/12/07authorising the president to sign an interim economic partnership agreement with the European Union. Opposition members of parliament had opposed the bill, introduced a few days before, saying they had not had enough time to study and modify the text. But President Paul Biya's Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM) carried the vote due to its overwhelming majority. It is unclear when Biya would sign the agreement.

Like other countries, cocoa-and banana-exporting Cameroon had been under pressure to reach an interim deal to ensure its exports to the EU are not hit by increased tariffs on Jan.1. The World Trade Organisation has deemed Europe's preferential trade terms for nearly 80 African, Caribbean and Pacific countries illegal and a waiver expires on Dec. 31.

The poorest countries will still qualify for preferential terms under Europe's "everything but arms" deal, but those slightly better off, including Cameroon which is the world's fourth biggest cocoa grower, will not.

Top cocoa producer Ivory Coast initialled a deal last week with Brussels [See Cote d’Ivoire section below], the first to break ranks with regional bloc ECOWAS's demand for more time, and neighbouring Ghana, the second biggest grower, is expected to reach a deal soon. [Reuters 12/12/07]

Buoys Under Maintenance
Several inner buoys at Douala port have been removed for maintenance [No’s 10/1112/13/14/15/16/21/24/ 25/29/32/34/35/36/38]. All outer buoys are now back in position after also undergoing maintenance. [SAGA 26/11/07]

Transport Syndicates Call off Strike Action
The secretary of State at the Ministry of Transport, Mefiro Oumarou, met with leaders of the road transport sector aimed at pre-empting a strike action set for 22/10/07. Following discussions, the parties established a permanent forum and a defined map for collaboration between the administration and trade unions. [CT 04/10/07]

OTAL Notice - Cameroon Rains: Road Disruption in Chad and CAR Corridors - 29/10/07
Heavy rains in Cameroon have cut off roads in several places between Douala and N'Gaoundere, north-east of Yaounde.
Due to this we would advise the following:
CTBL to Bangui: Bookings to the Central African Republic are suspended until the situation improves as there is only one road available.
CTBL to Chad: The route to Chad is not affected. CTBL movements will continue on a road / rail basis however there are likely to be delays on this routing (currently an average of 35 days) as there is a shortage of available wagons.

If you require any further information please contact your local OTAL Agent who will be pleased to
update you on the latest situation.

Transport Syndicates Call off Strike Action
The secretary of State at the Ministry of Transport, Mefiro Oumarou, met with leaders of the road transport sector aimed at pre-empting a strike action set for 22/10/07. Following discussions, the parties established a permanent forum and a defined map for collaboration between the administration and trade unions. [CT 04/10/07]

Scrapping of Customs Duty Revised
According to the Minister of Economy and Finance, Polycarpe Abah Abah, all products from the European Union entering CEMAC countries from January 1, 2008 will not as anticipated enter free from customs duty. A 25-year transitional period has now been muted for CEMAC to effectively prepare to scrap the customs duty. However several products from CEMAC countries will from January 2008, enter the EU duty free. [TP 12/04/07]

Customs Administration Cooperation For Competitiveness
Prime Minister Ephraim Inoni held a working session with the Director General of Customs of the Central and West African Region of the World Customs Organisation, during which they discussed the harmonisation of customs services, simplification of customs procedures, modernisation of customs administration, information exchange, and cooperation.

Discussions between the Customs officials and Prime Minister Inoni also focused on the new Economic Partnership Agreement which is being negotiated between the African-Caribbean countries and the European Union in relation to customs duties exemption for goods originating from the European Union. [CT 30/03/07]

Kribi Customs Manager Suspended
Makon Wilson Raoul the manager for Kribi Customs unit has been suspended from service. Disciplinary proceedings are in progress. [Le ministre de l’Economie et des Finances 01/03/07]

Central Africans Gain Market Knowledge/ Forge Links With AGOA
In mostly francophone Central Africa, the US African Growth and Opportunity Act [AGOA] is often little understood by many small-and medium-sized exporters. However in late February, 80 exporters and business representatives from eight Central African countries meet to learn how AGOA might help them grow their businesses. The two-day workshop in Cameroon, hosted by USAID and the US Trade Representative’s office, focused on up-and-coming product sectors from the region.

AGOA waives duties on thousands of products from eligible African countries, particularly processed goods, to make them more competitively priced with similar exports from around the world. But businesses still must attract US buyers and hold onto their place in the market–by appealing to American tastes, either in mainstream or niche markets. February’s workshop featured experts in such areas as natural foods, contemporary hardwood furniture and the Afrocentric market. Speakers represented successful businesses who offered practical steps to selling internationally, from labelling requirements to wholesale pricing to preparing successful bank loan applications.

The participating Central African countries are covered by two USAID trade hubs: the West Africa Trade Hub assists exporters in Chad, Cameroon, Gabon and Sao Tome e Principe, while the East and Central Africa Trade Hub targets exporters from Burundi, Congo-Brazzaville, DRC, and Rwanda. [This article originally appeared in the WATH Factor, a monthly newsletter published by the West Africa Trade Hub, a USAID-funded project promoting export development and trade facilitation. www.watradehub.com]

CEMAC - Experts Brainstorm on Transport Infrastructure
Members of the National Steering Committee for the Integrating Road Programme and Facilitation of Transport in the CEMAC zone have met to examine actions to be taken before the disbursement of funds and the financial execution of future projects. According to the General Inspector in the Ministry of Transport and Vice President of the steering committee, Grace Essombe, participants examined projects such as the tarring of the Garoua-Boulai-Ngaoundere road, the tarring of a road to circumvent Kousseri and the draft project on the Chad-Cameroon convention. Participants will also be examining the plan for the award of contracts for projects and the component of the Ministry of Transport in the Douala infrastructure project. Madame Grace Essombe also evoked the eventual setting up of mixed control check points at the Douala port comprising officers from Chad and Cameroon.

The Secretary of State for Public Works also held a restricted meeting with members of the steering committee and officials of the Work Bank and the African Development Bank, during which Cameroon took an engagement to respect the calendar of execution of the project established by the two financial institutions. Work is expected to begin on these projects by the end of this year. [CT 01/030/7]

Free Trade Zone - 03/03/07
A seminar was recently organized in Kribi in view of an economic partnership which is presently under negotiation between the European Union and the Cameroon government which aims at creating a free trade zone. The European Union recently offered 4 million euros which will be used in the preparation of the Economic Partnership Agreement [EPA]. The program which is expected to last two years will kick off in February. [WABA 28/01/07]

Meeting to Boost International Trade - 03/03/07
Experts and ministers in charge of industries from the six countries in the CEMAC region recently met at the Yaoundé Hilton Hotel to discuss the challenges ahead and propose a strategy for boosting the economy of the sub-region. The three sectors of the economy identified as the best channel through which industrialization can pass are: agro-industry, textile and forestry. There was a general consensus to improve the quality of cotton in the CEMAC sub-region so as to better penetrate the international market.

Cameroon and China Discuss Closer Bilateral Ties - 03/03/07
Visiting Chinese President Hu Jintao held talks with his Cameroonian counterpart, Paul Biya, on closer bilateral ties. During the talks, the Presidents exchanged views on the development of China-Cameroon co-operation. They also suggested more efforts be made on economic cooperation that would benefit both countries, particularly in agriculture, primary products processing, infrastructure and telecommunications.[Xinhua 01/02/07]

Cameroon National Council [CNC] - Avis aux Chargeurs, Transitaires, Consignataires et Armateurs

The Managing Director of the Cameroon National Shippers’ Council (CNCC) wish to inform all stakeholders from the shipping and international trade industries, in particular shippers, forwarders, consignees and shipowners, that from 1st February 2007 the functions of representative of the CNCC for imports of all goods towards the Republic ofCameroon from the ports of Europe, Africa, America, Asia and Middle-East, responsible for the delivery of the Bordereau Electronique de Suivi des Cargaisons [BESC] or Electronic Cargo Tracking Note, will be held by the General Agent.

Phoenix Europe Express
28-30, Rue Léon Jouhaux
ZI de la Fosse à la Barbière
93 605 Aulnay-Sous-Bois CEDEX
Tél: 00331 48 14 34 60
Fax: 00331 48 14 34 64
E-mail: Pierchon@phoenix-europe.fr

Besides the representatives in the various ports whose list is attached, the BESC can also be obtained from its internet site: www.phoenix-europe.fr chapter BESC.

The delivery of the BESC for export and BESC for regularization is still taken care of by:

La Direction Générale du CNCC
Sise, au Centre des Affaires Maritimes - Bonanjo
Tél: 00 237 343 67 67
Fax: 00 237 343 70 17
Web: www.cncc-cam.org <http://www.cncc-cam.org>
E-mail: info@cncc-cam.org <mailto:info@cncc-cam.org

The Managing Director of the CNCC wishes to remind you that BESCs whose mentions are incorrect will not be validated.

Import and export shipments of any ocean freight without a BESC will cause the creation of a regularization BESC, in compliance with clause 12 of the circular 00557/MINT of 11 July 2006 regarding the institutionalisation of the Electronic Cargo Tracking Note (BESC). [30/11/06]

ASYCUDA/SYDONIA Customs System Launched In Cameroon
Since the beginning of January 2007 a new automated Customs system has been launched in Douala. The Automated SYstem for CUstoms DAta [ASYCUDA] / SYstème DOuaNIer Automatisé [SYDONIA] has replaced the former PAGODE system.

Initial delays are being experienced within this transitional period. Goods are taking much longer to clear as often declarations have to be input into both the new and old systems.

At the time of writing the DIT container park was 96% full and the port was in danger of congestion.

For more information about this system please view:
www.sydonia.org
www.cnuced.org
sydonia@cnuced.org

ASYCUDA/SYDONIA Customs System Launched In Cameroon - 11/01/07
Since the beginning of January 2007 a new automated Customs system has been launched in Douala. The Automated SYstem for CUstoms DAta [ASYCUDA] / SYstème DOuaNIer Automatisé [SYDONIA] has replaced the former PAGODE system.

Please click here* for a full presentation covering the SYDONIA system or refer to www.asycuda.org.
(*Please note this is a sizeable file, please allow upto 3 minutes for download.)

New Transport Minister - 22/09/06
Under a cabinet shuffle on 22/09/06, Badel Ndanga Ndinga, has replaced Mompea Edmond as the new Secretary of State to the Minister of Transport.

Mungo Bridge Construction - 10/10/06
Prime minister, Ephraim Inoni, stopped at the construction site of the new Mungo bridge for a brief inspection tour. Engineers expect to complete the project by the end of May 2007. [Cameroon Government 10/10/06]

SYDONIA New System - 11/09/06
The Cameroon authorities are to implement the Automated System for Customs Data [SYDONIA], an electronic manifest and Bills of Lading transmission system. This is due to be enforced by January 1st 2007. [SAGA Agent 11/09/06]

Container Scanner Inaugurated At Douala Port 08/08/06
A container scanner has been installed at the Douala Port in a bid to check customs fraud. Speaking during the inauguration of the scanner, on 02/08/06, the General Manager of Customs, Antoine Manga Massina, said the equipment will facilitate operations at the port and curb malpractices such as false declarations of goods by importers.

Massina also stated that the scanner would reduce the time of transactions and cut cost for business operators. It is estimated that it will take at most 30 minutes for a container to go through inspection procedures, against the former manual control, which used to take at least four hours. [The Post 08/08/06]

France Willing to Finance Second Wouri Bridge - 29/06/06
The French Minister for Cooperation, Development and Francophonie, Brigitte Girardin, has announced France is willing to finance the feasibility as well as construction of a second bridge over River Wouri, in Douala.

Girardin was in Douala to inaugurate the rehabilitated lone bridge (Bonaberi Bridge,) also over the River Wouri, with Cameroon's Minister of Public Works, Martin Aristide Okouda [although only 70% of works had been completed]. Two French companies, UDECTO and ETIC handled the works rehabilitating both the road and railway line at a total cost of US$25.9 million. The bulk of the funds was obtained from France through the French Development Agency. [TP 29/06/06]

Overview Of The Douala Port Reform - 26/06/06
The main objectives of the Douala port reform were and remain the enhanced competitiveness of both the Port of Douala and the Cameroonian economy. Such is the mission of the PAD’s delegation [Port Autonome de Douala - Douala Port Authority] led by EOE regarding the discussions and updating of the port reform held within the Ministry of Transports.

It is clear that the current port structure has adapted to meet the demands of the times: the search for modernity and its ‘stowage’ to the world. Today, more than 400 hectares of developed areas are allocated between the containers terminal, the timber park, the mixed terminal, the fishing port, the old port, the ore port, the industrial port, the oil port and the warehouses. Its 50km long channel hosts more than 90% of all of Cameroon’s trade with the outside world.

Truck Drivers Warned Against Overloading – Fines to be Imposed - 25/03/06
A one-day seminar on road network protection in Cameroon ended in Bafoussam recently in a firm resolve to make use of checkpoints, instituted by Ministries of Transport and Public Works. The seminar was aimed at sensitising and educating heavy load transporters on the importance of weighing systems put in place by government. Mr. Paulin Abono, head of Division of Road Network and Environment Protection, attributed the bad state of roads to overloading by truck drivers. Mr. Abono said defaulters caught overloading below 5 tons will pay a fine 25,000 frs, above 5 tons 50,000 frs and above 10 tons 75,000 frs. Transporters were told that such vehicles will remain grounded until the fine is paid. [CT 23/03/06]

Limbé Shipyard Under Construction -15/03/06
The construction of Limbe shipyard has just been awarded to Six Construct [Belgium] and Dredging International N.V. [Belgium]. Lots 2 and 3 [200 million euros] include construction of a 400m quay wall and dredging. Lot 1 for construction of a breakwater [700 m] had already been awarded to Interbeton [Dutch], which began work in January 2005. Winners of the three remaining lots will be announced in the first half of 2006. These lots include earthworks and external works [4], acquisition of cranes, construction machines and machine tools [5], and acquisition of a 36,000-ton floating dock [6]. The CNIC is the first company in the Gulf of Guinea to offer oilrig repair. The project constitutes a first step in the construction of a deep-water port [12 meters].

BSC Procedures for Cargo to CAR via Douala - 15/03/06
BSC procedures have began in Central African Republic [CAR] in January 06 and is applied on all imports of cargo: vehicles, bulk, groupage etc. [Please note that OTAL has currently suspended its service to CAR.]

General Manager Admits Corruption in Customs
The General Manager of Customs, Antoine Manga Massina, has admitted that corruption is hitting the sector. Massina added that fraud, smuggling, and dealing in contraband are a major headache in the Customs administration on a daily basis, and continue to deprive the state of billions of FCFA every year. As for smuggling, Massina said the long border between Cameroon and Nigeria in particular, makes it very difficult to curb smuggling.

Council to Restart Work On Buea Motor Park - 06/03/06
Buea Council are hoping to complete work on the Mile 17 Motor Park before the end of Mayor Charles Mbella Moki's mandate in 2007. Work on the park, situated at the entrance to Buea from Mutengene, started in 2003, but slowed down due to the reduction of Council revenue. The project is estimated to cost FCFA 300 million. [The Post 06/03/06]

Truck Transporters Go On Strike -25/01/06
The National Union of Cameroon Transporters, have resolved to go on an indefinite strike from 10/01/06. Over 12,000 heavy-duty vehicles as well as some 3,000 lorries were grounded following failed attempts by the government to redress a number of major grievances tabled by the transporters back in December.

Fuel Tax is Increased - 25/01/06
The fuel tax in Cameroon has been increased from 516 FCFA per litre to 560 FCFA per litre.

Contacts and Links
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Douala Port Authority / Port Autonome de Douala (PAD)
Centre des Affaires Maritimes
PO Box 4020 Douala
Tel: (+237) 3 420133 / 3427322
Fax: (+237) 3 426797 / 3421190

Chambre de Commerce, d'Industrie et des Mines du Cameroun Place du Government B.P. 4011, Douala Tel: (+ 237) 3 422888
La Direction Générale du CNCC [Cameroon National Shippers’ Council] Sise, au Centre des Affaires Maritimes - Bonanjo Tel: (+237) 343 67 67 Fax: (+237) 343 70 17
Web: www.cncc-cam.org
E-mail: info@cncc-cam.org
Responsible for: Bordereau Electronique de Suivi des Cargaisons [BESC] or Electronic Cargo Tracking Note

News Sites
Cameroon Tribune - daily in French, English www.cameroon-tribune.net
Le Messager - Douala-based French-language daily www.lemessager.net

SGS Website

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