Stakeholders validate Douala Port Authority phase II security project.

This was during a meeting at the auditorium of Douala Port Security, DPS. The validation came a year after provisional works, carried out on January 26, 2024.

The meeting was chaired by the Deputy General Manager of the Douala Port Authority, Charles Michaux Moukoko Njoh. Moukoko Njoh, described the completion of the second phase of the works as a milestone in strengthening port security in the Central Africa Economic and Monetary Community, CEMAC sub region.

Moukoko explained that the completion of the works ties with the commitment of the Head of State, Paul Biya, which he took on October 6, 2011 to modernise PAD. 

He had said then while on campaigns in Douala that he was going to ensure PAD becomes a model when it comes to port security in the sub-region. 

Those works done so far, he the PAD Deputy DG said comply with the International Ship and Port Facility Security, ISPS code requirements. The code regulates maritime operations in order to guarantee the safety of ports, cargoes, ships and crews on board ships.

There has also been the physical transformation of the port complex of Douala-Bonabéri.

"The completion of this project demonstrates the constant efforts of the government to improve critical infrastructure and ensure the safety of port operations," Moukoko noted. 

Members of the commission each lauded the work done before appending their signatures to the report presented.

The solutions provided by the subcontractor "Portsec SA", were tested and validated over the past year.

The concrete results of phase II of the PAD security project, officials stated, complement the achievements of phase I. They stated that the achievement paves the way for new strategic trends in the secure, high-performance management of port facilities.

What has changed?

It should be noted that, contrary to the first phase, the second phase of the Douala Port Security, DPS project involves cutting-edge infrastructure and technologies.

Notable achievements includes the establishment of an ultra-modern archive centre that combines physical and digital libraries. There is well as an advanced document classification system. Work has also been done to optimise the management and preservation of port data.

In addition, there is the extension of the CCTV video surveillance network providing extended coverage of new areas of activity in the fast-growing port area.

There is the modernisation of the Port's control tower to enhance maritime traffic management, supervision and intervention capabilities. 

Experts said it makes the Port of Douala-Bonabéri an essential link in the architecture of maritime safety in the Gulf of Guinea. The improvements it was said, have been reinforced with the acquisition of additional locomotives designed to increase operational efficiency and ensure the optimum security of the port area.

The first phase of the DPS project had already seen the installation of a vessel traffic management and information system, VTMIS; the installation of a series of long-range navigation radars to monitor ship movements on the water body from the landing buoy to the Port of Douala-Bonaberi.

There was also the securing of access via RFID cards, the deployment of a mobile scanner to screen import and export goods, and the construction of a reinforced perimeter fence and port gates.

Phase three in gestation 

He told reporters that, phase III of the DPS is currently being prepared to bring the rapidly expanding areas around Essengue and Youpwe industrial port areas.

He declared that phase III "aims to further enhance the security and operational capabilities of the Port of Douala-Bonabéri through a number of structuring initiatives".

This phase, he added, will involve the construction and commissioning of a new main gate in the Youpwe area, located at the 50th anniversary monument, extending the video surveillance network and solar street lighting to secure new industrial port areas.

He also mentioned the creation of an operations management centre in the southern part of the area (Essengue), an annex fire brigade equipped with all the latest fire-fighting and rescue logistics still in Essengue. 

Officials are also envisaging a dedicated medical unit equipped with a fleet of medical ambulances, primarily for the safety of people working in the Douala-Bonaberi port area.

It was explained that, the modernisation will continue and be consolidated with the reconstruction of the harbour master’s office, including the control tower and the installation of a navigation simulator.

They also explained that the projects are part of a vision of sustainable and irreversible transformation, aimed at guaranteeing optimal security and making the Port of Douala-Bonaberi even more attractive.

Thanks to the ongoing efforts, the Douala Port Complex, PAD officials stated that the facility is now considered the most secure in the Gulf of Guinea. With such advantages, they explained that it is thus strengthening the confidence of economic stakeholders and international partners.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post issue No:3363 of Wednesday February 12, 2025