AD Ports Group Enters 30-Year Concession for Douala Dry Bulk Terminal, Commits $87 Million to Phase One Expansion

UAE-based port operator AD Ports Group has joined a 30-year concession to design, build, and operate a new dry bulk terminal at the Port of Douala in Cameroon. The agreement strengthens the company’s footprint in Africa and signals a major capacity expansion at the country’s largest maritime gateway.

The concession was awarded to Africa Ports Development (APD), with AD Ports Group partnering in the operating company. Together with two other UAE investors, AD Ports Group holds a 60% stake in the operating entity, alongside APD’s 40% ownership. This structure gives AD Ports Group an effective economic interest of 51% in the project.

Under phase one of the development, AD Ports Group’s share of the investment is expected to total approximately $87 million. The initial phase will include the construction of two berths and around 450 metres of quay wall. Once operational, the new terminal is projected to handle approximately 4 million tonnes of dry bulk cargo annually.

The facility will manage key commodities including clinker, gypsum, fertiliser, and grain,cargo segments that are critical to infrastructure development, agriculture, and regional trade flows. By expanding dedicated dry bulk handling capacity, the project aims to reduce congestion, improve turnaround times, and enhance operational efficiency at Douala.

Construction is scheduled to take place between 2026 and 2028, in close coordination with the Port Authority of Douala. The phased development approach is designed to align with growing cargo demand while ensuring long-term scalability.

Commenting on the development, Mohamed Eidha Al Menhali, Regional CEO of AD Ports Group, stated that the Douala dry bulk terminal will enhance trade resilience, support industrial development, and strengthen Cameroon’s position as a gateway to Central Africa.

The Port of Douala plays a pivotal role in Cameroon’s economy and the wider Central African region. It handles approximately 80% of the country’s bulk commodities and around 85% of national trade volumes. In addition to serving domestic cargo needs, Douala functions as a transit hub for several landlocked African markets, reinforcing its strategic importance in regional supply chains.

The new terminal concession reflects a broader trend of international port operators expanding into high-growth African markets. By investing in modern bulk infrastructure, AD Ports Group aims to contribute to capacity expansion and long-term trade facilitation in one of West and Central Africa’s most significant maritime corridors.

With a 30-year operational horizon, the Douala dry bulk terminal project is expected to play a central role in boosting cargo throughput, strengthening logistics connectivity, and supporting Cameroon’s industrial and agricultural sectors over the coming decades.

As dry bulk capacity expands at the Port of Douala, the safe inland transport of commodities such as clinker, gypsum, fertiliser, and grain becomes increasingly critical. Proper cargo securing standards are essential to prevent losses, accidents, and compliance violations during road transport.

Maritime and logistics professionals seeking to strengthen operational safety can explore the internationally recognised Load Securing for Road Vehicles according to VDI 2700ff (English) training program, which provides practical guidance aligned with European load securing standards.

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