Douala Port Authority Orders IHC Dredger

Cameroon’s Port Authority of Douala (PAD) has acquired high-tech equipment from Royal IHC to support its dredging activities, an order that builds on the excellent partnership between both organizations.

As part of measures to autonomously manage its dredging activities, the Management of the PAD acquired an IHC Beaver 50 cutter suction dredger and a Delta Multi Craft (DMC) workboat, which were both delivered in 2019. This first order will soon be completed by an IHC Easydredge trailing suction hopper dredger with a 3,000-cubic-meter hopper capacity. This vessel will be used to dredge the access channel to the port of Douala-Bonabéri.

The IHC Easydredge is a product within IHC’s standardized range of dredging vessels. The flexible concept, available in four models and with hopper capacities ranging from 500 to 4,000 cubic meters, is ideal for most common maintenance and land reclamation projects. PAD’s Easydredge is designed with sufficient space to house various options, and can be customised so that it can adapt to its dedicated working environment.

The order further strengthens the partnership between the PAD and IHC. Beyond the acquisition of dredging equipment, the cooperation also includes an extensive training and support program aimed at developing and strengthening the skills of PAD’s technical staff at a high level. This is a confirmation of the strategy developed by IHC to support and increase the capacities of partner companies in their dredging projects.

IHC’s involvement in PAD’s autonomous dredging management projects will significantly reduce costs and control-related expenses, while improving the port’s operational flexibility. “We are delighted to continue our cooperation with the PAD on its dredging autonomization project,” says IHC’s Sales Manager Africa, Bas Kockmann. “Above all, this will contribute to the better navigability and operability of the port, as well as support PAD’s growth objectives.”

For General Manager Cyrus Ngo’o, the new impetus in place at the PAD is aimed at adapting to evolutions in the port sector: “We are cooperating closely with certain partners to draw from their experience, and use their knowledge and expertise to improve and make our infrastructures and superstructures viable. This will ensure a more effective development, and guarantee the regulation and growth of the logistics platform under our responsibility.”