The Port Authority of Kribi (PAK) is poised to boost regional maritime trade following the official reception of the second phase of the Kribi Deep Seaport. Chinese firm, China Harbor Engineering Company (CHEC), officially handed over the second phase of the facility to Cameroonian authorities on February 21, 2025, marking a significant milestone in the development of the infrastructure in the South Region. The expansion is expected to enhance the port’s efficiency and capacity, allowing it to handle increased maritime traffic, officials said.
During the handover ceremony, the General Manager of PAK, Patrice Melom highlighted that the port has expanded its quay wall from 615 meters in its first phase to 715 meters in the second phase. A second container terminal, extension of protective dike and harbour causeway have also been developed as part of the second phase. This extension is crucial for accommodating a higher volume of cargo and improving logistical operations at the port. Melom praised CHEC for their collaboration and flexibility throughout the construction process.
The General Manager of CHEC’s Central Africa Division, Chen Ze, noted that the expansion is not merely an endpoint but a new beginning for Kribi Deep Seaport. He stated that it will play a pivotal role in driving regional economic development by meeting the growing demands of trade and enhancing service quality. The port is positioned to become a key logistics hub in Africa, contributing significantly to Cameroon’s economic ambitions under President Paul Biya’s vision for national emergence.
The second phase’s completion paves the way for an official launch ceremony scheduled for next month, which will feature the docking of the first commercial ship at the new terminal. This event is anticipated to signal the operational commencement of the expanded facilities. Furthermore, with ongoing efforts to develop an integrated industrial zone adjacent to the port, Kribi is set to become a major industrial and logistics center in Central Africa. This zone aims to attract investment and foster local industries, thereby enhancing regional value chains.
Stakeholders at the PAK are optimistic about the potential of the Port to stimulate economic growth and improve connectivity within Central Africa.
The construction of the second phase started in 2019; a year after the first phase was completed and commissioned. The Kribi Deep Seaport it should be noted, has the largest draught on the West and Central African coasts (16 metres).
With its strategic position in the Gulf of Guinea, the Port of Kribi, the new gem of Cameroon’s economy, has become the logistic and trade hub for Cameroon, subregional countries and even beyond.
