Maritime Information of Cameroon: Complete Guide for Navigation and Trade

Geographical Overview and Port Infrastructure

Cameroon, located in Central Africa, has a significant maritime frontage along the Atlantic Ocean, on the Gulf of Guinea. This strategic position gives the country a key role in regional and international maritime trade. The length of its coast is about 402 kilometers, offering several docking points and possibilities for export and import. The main port of Cameroon is Douala, located at the mouth of the Wouri River. It is the largest port in the country and the second largest in Central Africa, after Pointe-Noire in Congo. Douala plays an essential role in maritime logistics as it manages the majority of goods entries and exits. The port is equipped to handle various types of cargo, including containers, general goods, bulk solids, and liquids. In addition to Douala, the port of Kribi is under development, with modern infrastructures aiming to increase capacity for large vessels, particularly in bulk and petroleum sectors. This deep-water port allows Cameroon to have a competitive maritime frontage, attracting international investments. The port infrastructure is complemented by handling facilities, industrial areas, and storage zones that facilitate the transit of goods. The Cameroonian government continually invests in modernizing ports and securing maritime routes to ensure smoothness and safety of operations.

Navigation Conditions and Maritime Regulations

Navigation in Cameroonian waters is subject to national regulations in line with international conventions, notably those of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Cameroon is committed to respecting these standards to guarantee maritime safety, prevent marine pollution, and combat piracy and other illegal activities. The approaches to ports, especially those of Douala and Kribi, are well marked with modern navigation aids (buoys, lighthouses, radar). However, tide and local currents must be considered by captains to ensure safe entries and exits, especially for large vessels. Cameroon provides mandatory pilotage services for port access to reduce accident risks. Moreover, maritime authorities conduct strict inspections on incoming vessels to verify their compliance with safety and environmental standards. Finally, the country invests in integrated maritime surveillance systems, including radar and AIS (Automatic Identification System) tracking, to optimize traffic management and protect its territorial waters. These measures also contribute to ensuring the safety of essential commercial maritime routes for Cameroon's economy.