(Business in Cameroon) – Kribi Containers Terminal (KCT), the operator of the deep-water port’s container terminal in southern Cameroon, has revealed more details about the cost of equipment needed to run its second container terminal. In an October 23 statement, the company, a joint venture between Africa Global Logistics (AGL, formerly Bolloré), Chinese firm CHEC, and French shipping company CMA CGM, confirmed that the equipment received on October 14, including 13 gantry cranes, two container carriers, and three empty container handlers, amounts to CFA49 billion. These complement earlier equipment delivered on September 12, though the cost of those items was not disclosed.
The total investment required for operating this new terminal, which has a 715-meter-long quay (twice the length of the first terminal) and covers 33 hectares, is estimated at CFA70 billion. “To strengthen the economy of Gulf of Guinea countries and enhance its role as a regional hub, KCT is committed to working with the Cameroonian government on the operation of phase two of the container terminal. This will improve service delivery for shippers, consignees, and shipping companies as quickly as possible,” said David Azra, KCT’s CEO.
Besides the construction of the new container terminal to be managed by KCT, phase two of the deep-water port project also includes extending the breakwater by 675 meters, creating 33 hectares of storage areas, and building terminals for aluminum and hydrocarbons. The total cost of this phase is estimated at CFA400 billion, with 75% funded by a loan from Eximbank of China.
“The second phase of KCT’s activities will create over 300 direct jobs, strengthen Kribi’s industrial-port platform, and boost economic exchanges throughout the region,” added Azra.
