Anti-Pollution Drill at the Port of Kribi
Anti-Pollution Drill at the Port of Kribi
A Rapid and Well-Coordinated Emergency Response
On 27 November 2025, the Port Authority of Kribi carried out a large-scale simulation to test its ability to respond to an accidental hydrocarbon spill. Rapid mobilisation, strong coordination and effective field actions demonstrated the robustness of its anti-pollution response system.
On Thursday, 27 November 2025, at exactly 9:00 a.m., an alert sounded in Mboro: a collision between two vessels at the entrance of the Kribi Port channel had triggered a simulated spill of 10 m³ of fuel oil. The emergency level was immediately activated.
Swift and Coordinated Mobilisation
The Crisis Unit of the Port Authority of Kribi (PAK) was promptly mobilised. Under the coordination of the General Manager—represented by Technical Advisor No. 7, Mr Jean Marcel Belinga Belinga—teams deployed to test, under real-life conditions, the effectiveness of the Anti-Pollution Response Plan established by PAK in 2022.
This major drill, prepared during a training and planning session from 24 to 26 November, gathered:
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80 participants, including
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25 members of the Crisis Unit, representing:
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the Financial and Accounting Directorate, Quality & Audit Division, Communication & Public Relations Unit, Legal Affairs Division, General Administration Directorate, Technical Directorate
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the Harbour Master’s Office
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the Gendarmerie
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a field coordinator and a liaison officer
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Two external observers: SONARA and SNH.
Effective Operational Actions
On the field, specialist response teams moved swiftly. Floating booms were deployed to contain the hydrocarbon slick, while recovery and clean-up operations were carried out efficiently. Thanks to the vigilance of the environmental expert, the ecological impact was kept under control.
No fatalities were recorded. Three minor injuries were quickly attended to by the emergency medical unit.
A Debriefing Marked by Key Lessons
A hot-wash debriefing session followed the drill, identifying both strengths and areas for improvement.
Strengths:
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exemplary mobilisation of marine firefighters,
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full participation of Crisis Unit members,
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effective coordination among teams.
Areas for improvement:
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refining alert procedures,
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strengthening team capacities,
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considering the acquisition of additional equipment.
According to Achille SIL, the EMS Consulting expert leading the exercise:
“Compared to last year, significant progress has been made. Under the leadership of the General Manager, PAK teams mobilised impressively. A true success.”
Visit from Local Authorities
The highlight of the day was the visit of the Sub-Prefect of Kribi, who came to assess the situation. Reassured by the control of operations and the absence of severe casualties, he commended the efficiency and reactivity of the teams.
