(Business in Cameroon) - In 2018, Douala Autonomous port increased its profit fivefold. According to the port’s administrative board, by December 31, 2018, the port’s net pre-tax profit was XAF3.9 billion and net-profit XAF2.04 billion. This is about five times the XAF455.5 million realised in 2017.

The port authority provided no reason for this performance but, the result is not that surprising. Last year, Cyrus Ngo’o, the port’s director, announced a set of performance-boosting measures. For instance, shipwrecks were removed and some docks freed to fluidify maritime transport. The dredge Chantal Biya was also restored.

These good performances should continue since the port plans to increase its capacity with the construction of a 750-meter dock on the right bank of Wouri River. It will also build a mooring dolphin and acquire a new dredger able to dredge 3,000 m³ wells.

Let’s note that the port’s turnover during the period under review was XAF6 billion and its balance sheet is estimated at XAF238.16 billion.

S.A