Maersk opens container depot in Kribi, Cameroon
Customers will have access to digital booking, tracking, and monitoring solutions for greater visibility into container status.
CAMEROON – Maersk has opened a new container depot with a capacity of 1,500 TEU in Kribi, Cameroon, adding 16,000 square meters to its West African depot network, according to the company statement.
The facility is in the Douala Port Zone and offers specialized cargo handling, temperature-controlled storage for perishables, and customs inspection and clearance services. Kribi is a deep-water port that also serves neighboring states.
“By easing logistics bottlenecks, we can, together with our customers, mutually unlock stronger growth for Cameroon’s economy. Efficient, reliable supply chains are levers for market growth, lowering costs and strengthening competitiveness,” said Franck Dedenis, Managing Director of Maersk Area West Africa.
Depot services
The Kribi depot is equipped to handle reefer containers and will offer food-grade containers. Cargo owners can temporarily expand storage capacity by integrating the depot into their supply chains, providing greater flexibility than renting additional warehouse space on short notice.
The depot also makes it easier to return empty containers, helping customers avoid detention and demurrage costs. Additionally, customers will have access to digital booking, tracking, and monitoring solutions for greater visibility into container status.
“In disruptive times like ours, visibility translates directly into supply chain resilience. Right now, resilience of supply chains is on top of many customers’ agenda,” Dedenis said.
West African network
With the new facility, Maersk now offers dedicated services at eight Maersk-owned depots across West Africa, in addition to more than 20 depots operated by third-party vendors.
The Kribi depot adds 16,000 square meters to a network that already includes 150,000 square meters in Maersk-owned depots and more than 280,000 square meters in third-party depots.
Maersk’s dedicated depot services are now available in ten West African countries: Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Mali, Nigeria, Senegal, and Sierra Leone.
Infrastructure investment
Maersk said continuous investment in landside infrastructure is needed as many regions face increasing bottlenecks in terminals and hinterland logistics, driven by growth in ocean transport volumes combined with insufficient investment in port and landside infrastructure in recent years.
“This is why Maersk is investing significantly in land-based infrastructure, including building or modernizing terminals, expanding its depot network and offering warehousing facilities where needed. The Kribi depot is another example of Maersk’s priority to simplify and strengthen global supply chains,” Dedenis said.
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