Kribi Deep Sea Port
Cameroon's first deep-water port, a $1.3 billion gateway to Central Africa's resource-rich hinterland.
The Kribi Deep Sea Port is Cameroon's first deep-water port, located approximately 150 km south of Douala. Phase 1, completed in 2018 at a cost of $567 million, includes a multipurpose terminal and a container terminal with a 16-metre draught. Phase 2, estimated at over $700 million, will add additional container and hydrocarbon berths. The port serves as an export terminal for iron ore from the Mbalam-Nabeba project and handles general cargo for landlocked Central African countries including Chad and the Central African Republic. It is operated by Kribi Conteneurs Terminal (KCT), a Bolloré subsidiary.
- 01Provide Cameroon with a modern deep-water port to complement the congested Douala port
- 02Handle mineral exports from Cameroon's mining sector, particularly iron ore
- 03Serve as a gateway for landlocked Central African Republic and Chad
- 04Accommodate larger vessels that cannot access the shallow Douala port
- 05Develop a port-centric industrial zone to attract manufacturing investment
- 06Increase Cameroon's port competitiveness in the Gulf of Guinea
2011 · completed
Construction Begins
Phase 1 construction commenced with China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) as the main contractor.
2014 · completed
Port Infrastructure Complete
Major marine infrastructure including the breakwater, berths, and approach channel were completed.
2018 · completed
Phase 1 Inaugurated
President Paul Biya inaugurated Phase 1, and the port received its first commercial vessels.
2021 · completed
Container Operations Ramp Up
Container throughput increased as the terminal operated by Bolloré's KCT attracted more shipping lines.
2023 · in progress
Phase 2 Planning Advanced
Detailed engineering and financing for Phase 2 expansion progressed with additional berths planned.
2025 · in progress
Phase 2 Construction
Phase 2 construction activities commenced for additional terminal capacity.
Construction Contractor
China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC)
Built Phase 1 infrastructure including berths, breakwater, and terminal facilities.
Terminal Operator
Kribi Conteneurs Terminal (KCT/Bolloré)
Bolloré subsidiary operating the container terminal under a 25-year concession.
Lead Financier
China Exim Bank
Provided concessional loans for the majority of Phase 1 construction costs.
Port Authority
Kribi Port Authority
The national authority managing the overall port complex and regulatory oversight.
- 16 m deep-water berths for Capesize and Post-Panamax vessels
- Ship-to-shore gantry cranes
- Multipurpose and container terminal equipment
- 1,355 m main breakwater for wave protection
- Connected highway to Douala-Kribi corridor
- Oil and gas pipeline terminal connection (planned)
What it means for the community
The port has diversified Cameroon's port infrastructure beyond the congested Douala port and attracted new shipping services. It handles growing volumes of containers and bulk cargo, serving landlocked neighbours. Phase 1 created approximately 5,000 construction jobs, and the port directly employs over 500 workers. When the mining corridor is fully operational, Kribi will export millions of tonnes of iron ore annually, potentially transforming Cameroon's export profile.
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- Government of Cameroon / Kribi Port Authority
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