(LVDE) – Specializing in maritime transport, the Cameroonian company Gulfcam plans to resume cabotage operations between the ports of Kribi and Douala by the end of 2025 or early 2026. This initiative aims to provide an efficient alternative to the logistical challenges faced by importers and exporters, while also boosting the local economy.
Gulfcam, well known for its expertise in container shipping and petroleum product distribution, announced on October 2, 2025, its intention to restart container cabotage between Douala and Kribi. This initiative stems from careful consideration of the logistical challenges confronting Cameroon’s foreign trade operators, particularly due to the poor condition of road infrastructure linking these two strategic ports.
Albert Roger Boum, Managing Director of Gulfcam, emphasized the importance of this relaunch for importers and exporters burdened by road constraints. Maritime cabotage will make it possible to bypass these obstacles and ensure smoother cargo transport. Large vessels, often limited by Douala port’s insufficient draft, will be able to discharge their cargo in Kribi, a deep-water port, before smaller ships transfer it to Douala.
The cabotage service had previously been operational between 2020 and 2022 but was discontinued for various reasons. Currently, transporting a container by road between Kribi and Douala takes at least three hours, making the process inefficient. Relaunching this service should enable faster and more cost-effective cargo evacuation, representing significant progress for local economic operators.
A crucial aspect of this initiative lies in its economic efficiency. While a flatbed truck can transport a maximum of two containers, a cabotage vessel has the capacity to carry up to 500. This translates into a significant reduction in unit costs for operators, making international trade more accessible.
To initiate this project, Gulfcam plans to charter vessels while developing the market and informing clients about new transport options. The company draws on its expertise gained from the 2021 merger of Gulfin and Camship-Clgg, integrating the experience of Cameroon Shipping Lines, a former state-owned company privatized in 1997.
The success of this relaunch also depends on close collaboration with public administrations, particularly customs. Customs authorities have pledged to simplify the transshipment regime, including costs related to unloading and reloading containers, to ease the financial burden on operators. A dedicated cabotage quay is also being designed at the Douala port to streamline traffic and ease congestion at the container terminal.
With this revival, Gulfcam positions itself as the first national company to enter a market traditionally dominated by foreign players. This initiative could generate increased revenues while contributing to the national economy through tax collection and job creation.
Esther grace
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