HISTORY OF THE PORT OF KRIBI

Early 80s

In the early 80s, Cameroon was among the most prosperous African countries economic wise. As a matter of fact, up to 1985 and during two decades of steady growth, Cameroon’s economy recorded growth rates of 7%. In its desire to continue with its economic development from its mineral resources, the Government initiated first studies on the project to construct a deep-sea port in Kribi and Limbe, which helped in choosing the site.

 

1982 – 1985

Opportunities studies conducted for the construction of a Deep-Sea Port led to the selection of sites identified beforehand by the group BCEOM-OCCR-Inter G. The site of Grand Batanga, a community located 8km to Kribi was finally selected to host a deep-sea port.

The aim of the construction of this infrastructure was to contribute to the development of the southern and south-eastern parts of Cameroon by valorising the many natural resources (timber, bauxite, iron, nickel, rutile, natural gas, etc.) and creating a new city next to the selected port site.

 

From 1985 to 2000

The project went to the back burner following the global economic crisis that hit Cameroon in the second half of the 80s.

The following years were marked by a significant recession. One cause was the drop in international prices of coffee, cocoa and oil which led to a deterioration of the terms of trade.

Seriously affected by the devaluation of the CFA Franc in 1994, the Government embarked on economic recovery measures, stabilization and structural adjustment programmes which resulted in the termination of long-term and medium-term projects.

 

2005

Feasibility study was conducted for developing a deep-sea port in the southern part of Kribi.

As soon as the first signs of recovery appeared, the Government in its economic recovery strategy brought back the project to construct a deep-sea port in Kribi to the fore among the various overarching projects of the Cameroonian economy.

A feasibility study to develop a deep-sea port in Grand Batanga, the site selected, was conducted with the following basic points:

• A terminal to export of 2 million tonnes of iron ore per year
• A terminal to export 60 to 350 000 tonnes of aluminium per year
• A terminal for containerized traffic of 350 000 TEU per year
• An oil and gas terminal for 350 000 tonnes per year

 

2008

The Government of Cameroon decided to implement the project to construct a deep-sea port in M’boro.

The Government of Cameroon decided to implement the project to construct a deep-sea port in Grand Batanga based on the 2005 feasibility study.

On 8 and 9 May 2008, a round table of port investors and operators, funders and other interested organizations was held to arouse the interest of the various stakeholders. Resolutions thereof focus especially on adapting the port master plan presented to participants and creating a specific body to develop the Project.

The Government through decree No. 114/ CAB/PM of 11 July 2008 of the Prime Minister, Head of the Government, established a steering committee whose objectives and composition portrayed the multisectoral involvement of institutional stakeholders and the will to speed up the coherent implementation of the project.

In the same vein, the selection process of private partners was launched.

 

2009

New sites for port facilities were identified: the community of Mboro/Lolabe was selected.

 

2010

Excavation works started on the site of Mboro.

The first phase of the operation to compensate beneficiaries started.

Technical files of support projects (access road to the port, water, power) were prepared and provided.

Ceremony for the laying of the foundation stone of the PEPK Construction Project (on 8 October 2011).

 

2011

Signature of the funding agreement for the Port construction.

Technical, port and maritime data were acquired.

Signature of a funding agreement amounting to FCFA 207 billion between the State of Cameroon and EXIMBANK China.

CHEC company was selected to carry out works in EPC mode.

 

2012

Beginning of the Port construction works (1st phase)

 

2013

New sites for port facilities were identified: the community of Mboro/Lolabe was selected.

 

2014

First vessels arrived at the Kribi Deep-Sea Port

Delivery of the first phase of the General Port.

 

2016

A body in charge of managing the Port of Kribi was created.

 

2017

Signing of a concession agreement for the operation and maintenance of the Container Terminal with the Kribi Conteneurs Terminal (KCT)consortium.

 

2018

Launching of commercial operations