Dangerous Goods: Kribi Steps Up
Dangerous Goods: Kribi Steps Up
A Belgium mission to enhance port operations
From March 9 to 13, 2026, the Port Authority of Kribi conducted a benchmarking and training mission at the Port of Antwerp-Bruges to acquire international best practices in the management of dangerous goods and enhance its operational performance.
As part of its efforts to strengthen the technical capacity of its staff, the Port Authority of Kribi (PAK) carried out a benchmarking and training mission in Belgium from March 9 to 13, 2026, at the Port of Antwerp-Bruges.
Hosted by the specialized training center Antwerp Port Education Center (APEC), the mission provided an opportunity to explore international standards and best practices in the handling, storage, and safety management of dangerous goods.
As one of the world’s leading logistics hubs, the Port of Antwerp-Bruges stands out for its advanced infrastructure, highly digitalized operations, and strong capacity to manage sensitive cargo within a secure and controlled environment.
Throughout the program, the delegation participated in site visits, technical workshops, and specialized training sessions, including risk management approaches aligned with the ISO 31000 framework, as well as digital port systems such as the Maritime Single Window and the Port Community System (PCS). These tools are key to improving operational efficiency, data exchange, and real-time traceability.
The exchanges highlighted several strategic areas for improvement for the PAK, including enhanced vessel call procedures, the development of dedicated and secured zones for dangerous goods, strengthened inspection mechanisms, and improved coordination among port stakeholders.
Digital transformation also emerged as a central priority, with plans to develop a dedicated dangerous goods module within the port information system. Such a system would enable automated processing, centralized data management, and real-time monitoring of operations.
In addition, the mission emphasized the importance of an integrated safety approach, involving closer coordination between emergency services, port authorities, and private operators. The establishment of a specialized unit dedicated to dangerous goods management was identified as a key structural step.
Beyond technical insights, this mission represents a strategic milestone for the Port Authority of Kribi. By aligning with international best practices and adapting them to its operational environment, the PAK is reinforcing its ambition to become a modern, secure, and globally competitive port.
This initiative is fully aligned with the port’s long-term vision of evolving into a Smart Port, where innovation, operational excellence, and safety drive sustainable performance.
