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Port of Douala

CMDLA🇨🇲Cameroon

Port Location

About Port of Douala

Douala is Cameroon's primary seaport, situated on the Wouri River estuary. It handles significant exports including oil, cocoa, coffee, timber, metals, and fruits. The port accommodates various vessel types and features wharf and anchorage loading/offloading facilities.

Background
Douala is the largest city in Cameroon and its economic capital. It is also the capital of Cameroon's Littoral Region. It was home to Central Africa's largest port, now being replaced by Kribi port. It has the country's major international airport, Douala International Airport (DLA). It is the commercial and economic capital of Cameroon and the entire CEMAC region comprising Gabon, Congo, Chad, Equatorial Guinea, Central African Republic and Cameroon. Consequently, it handles most of the country's major exports, such as oil, cocoa and coffee, timber, metals and fruits. As of 2025, the city and its surrounding area had an estimated population of 4,346,000, while the city proper had an estimated population of 3,816,500. The city sits on the estuary of the Wouri River and its climate is tropical.

Current Conditions

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Vessel Limits

Max Draft
8m
Elevation
-9999m

Operations & Services

Terminals
1

References & Identifiers

GeoNames ID
9256317 →
Wikidata
Q132830 →
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Official Site
douala.cm →

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Identification

UN/LOCODE
CMDLA
Country
🇨🇲Cameroon
Time Zone
UTC+1
Feature Type
HBR (Harbor)

Classification

Type
Port

Region

Area
West Africa
Sub-area
Gulf of Guinea
Latitude
4.0462°
Longitude
9.7031°

Terminals

RTC CONTAINER TERMINAL DOUALA

REGIE DU TERMINAL A CONTENEURS (RTC)

P.O. Box 2686, Bonanjo Centre Des Affaires Maritimes, Douala, Cameroon

rtcdouala.cm →
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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the draft restrictions at the Port of Douala?+
The controlling depth at Douala is 8 meters. Draft restrictions should be confirmed with the port authority before arrival, as silting, dredging operations, and tidal conditions can affect available depths. Pilotage is typically required for larger vessels.
How do I navigate the approach to the Port of Douala?+
The approach to Douala is supported by 4 navigation aids within 50 nautical miles. The nearest is Cap Nachtigal Lighthouse at 29.7 NM to the W. Other aids include Cap Nachtigal (30 NM W), Cap Debundscha (43.2 NM W), Cap Debundscha (43.6 NM W). Mariners should consult the relevant chart and List of Lights for full approach details.
How do I track vessels arriving at or departing from the Port of Douala?+
You can track vessels near Douala (CMDLA) in real time using MarineRadar. The platform displays live AIS positions of nearby ships, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course. Use the "Track Vessels Nearby" button on this page or search for CMDLA on the live map.
What are the operating hours and time zone for the Port of Douala?+
The Port of Douala operates in the UTC+1 time zone. Operating hours, VTS schedules, and pilot availability vary — vessel agents should confirm with the port authority in advance, especially for night arrivals or weekend operations.
What is the Port of Douala?+
DOUALA (UN/Locode: CMDLA), Cameroon is a seaport located at approximately 4.04625° N, 9.70311° E.
Where is the Port of Douala located?+
Coordinates: 4.04625° N, 9.70311° E. Nearby terminals/ports:TIKO — UN/Locode: CMTKC — 4.06510° N, 9.39568° ELIMBE — UN/Locode: CMLIM — 4.00000° N, 9.13000° ELIMBOH — UN/Locode: CMLIT — 4.00300° N, 9.12500° E
What facilities are available at the Port of Douala?+
Harbor type/size: River Natural and Medium. Cranes: floating cranes. Lifting: 0–24 MT lifts and 100 MT+ lifts. Support: wharf loading/offloading, anchorage loading/offloading and good holding ground. Depths: channel depth 7.1m - 9.1m; anchorage depth 11m - 12.2m; cargo pier depth 12.5m - 13.7m; oil terminal depth 12.5m - 13.7m and maximum draft approx. 8 m.
What are the operational restrictions at the Port of Douala?+
Entrance/operational restrictions — tide: no specific restriction; swell: no specific restriction; ice: none; overhead limits: none and other: may apply.
What are the communications and port formalities at the Port of Douala?+
Communication & port formalities — telephone: available; radio (VHF): available; air services: available; rail: available; ETA message: required; quarantine pratique: available; deratting certificate: available and first port of entry: available. Pilotage & towage — pilotage: compulsory; tug assistance: available and tug salvage: not available.
What types of vessels historically call at the Port of Douala?+
Vessel types historically calling: Bulk Carrier, Container, Gas Carrier, General Cargo, Offshore, Ro Ro, Tanker, Tugs Harbor Craft and Unspecified.
Who are the ship suppliers at the Port of Douala?+
Ship suppliers include General Maritime Company SARL, Stem Fuels and CLAY MARINE SERVICES + more.
Which service providers operate at the Port of Douala?+
Service providers include Alpha Marine Shipping Services Ltd., Alfa Marine Electronics and Cameroon Diving Services Sarl.