CITY, Cameroon — The Port of Douala-Bonaberi, a critical gateway for Central African trade, has resumed operations following a cargo ship collision that temporarily obstructed maritime traffic.
The country’s transport ministry announced the navigation channel’s reopening after emergency clearance operations were completed.
The collision, involving the outbound MV Sea Honor and the inbound MV Black Rhino, occurred near buoy No. 20 in the Douala-Bonaberi channel. Despite significant damage to both vessels, no fatalities were reported.
The MV Sea Honor was towed to an anchorage area, while the MV Black Rhino was deliberately grounded to secure the waterway. Transport Minister Jean Ernest Massena Ngalle Bibehe confirmed that all 15 crew members aboard the MV Black Rhino were safely evacuated.
The Port of Douala — Bonaberi is not only Cameroon’s largest seaport but also a vital logistics hub for Central Africa, handling the bulk of the region’s seaborne imports and exports.
The port’s closure raised concerns among businesses across the region, as disruptions could delay shipments of essential cargo and increase freight costs.
The swift restoration of operations is a relief for businesses relying on the port for regional trade.
The incident underscores the challenges of maintaining efficiency in Africa’s busiest maritime corridors. It also highlights the strategic importance of maintaining safe navigation at ports that connect coastal economies with landlocked neighbors.
The Port Authority of Douala has initiated a technical investigation to determine the cause of the collision, with preliminary findings suggesting a loss of steering control aboard the MV Black Rhino.
The quick reopening of the navigation channel is good news for businesses that rely on one of Central Africa’s busiest maritime gateways.
As regional governments invest in infrastructure and transit reforms, ensuring the efficiency and reliability of maritime corridors will remain a top priority.
The resumption of operations at Douala — Bonaberi is expected to support the ongoing efforts to enhance trade and transit in the region.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: Africa.businessinsider
Source: Ayodeji Adegboyega
