Cameroon has resumed operations at the Port of Douala-Bonabéri after the authorities’ immediate response to a vessel collision prevented the country’s main maritime gateway from being blocked by a sinking cargo ship.
The accident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, July 12, when an outbound bulk carrier collided with an inbound cargo ship carrying containers.
The impact tore a large hole in the cargo vessel, causing it to rapidly take on water and raising concerns that it could obstruct the port’s main navigation channel.
After the accident occurred
According to maritime-executive.com, the port authorities immediately deployed a crisis team and intentionally grounded the damaged vessel to keep the channel clear while its crew safely abandoned ship.
The bulk carrier, which sustained minor damage, was later towed to an anchorage. No injuries were reported among the crews of either vessel.
Cameroon’s transport minister announced on Tuesday, July 14, that operations at the Port of Douala-Bonabéri had resumed.
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Probe ongoing
According to the port authority, an investigation into the accident is ongoing, but preliminary findings suggest that the cargo ship may have lost control before the collision.
The cargo vessel had previously been detained following a Port State Control inspection.
In 2024, authorities in Belgium detained the vessel for 15 days after inspectors identified 31 deficiencies.
However, it later passed two inspections in 2025 without any reported deficiencies.
A strategic waterway
The Port of Douala-Bonabéri is Cameroon’s largest and busiest seaport, serving as the country’s principal gateway for international trade and a vital transit hub for the landlocked nations of Chad and the Central African Republic.
Although the authorities did not release any estimates of the economic impact, a prolonged disruption at the port could have affected the movement of food supplies, industrial equipment, fuel, construction materials and other essential cargo, disrupting trade and supply chains serving Cameroon and its neighboring countries.
Douala port undergoing modernization
The collision comes as Cameroon continues to modernize the Port of Douala-Bonabéri to strengthen its role as a regional logistics hub.
In July 2025, the government launched construction of a new mixed bulk terminal on the right bank of the Wouri River, describing the project as part of the efforts to develop a modern, integrated logistics zone around the port and improve the competitiveness of the country’s logistics chain.
Cameroon’s Prime Minister’s Office said the project is expected to expand the port’s cargo-handling capacity and help accommodate growing trade volumes.
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