CMA CGM Launches West Africa Logistics Hub
French maritime transporter CMA CGM has opened a logistics complex, between the port and city of Douala, Cameroon, and set up a new firm to handle inland transportation in West African markets.
Christened 3CTC (CMA CGM Cameroon Container Terminal), the terminal covers a surface area of 2 hectares. Douala port is Cameroon's largest port.
Located between the ring road of Douala and the port area, this "dry port" will enable CMA CGM customers to store containers, empty or full, in a secure area of 1200 m2.
The new logistics platform also serves as a transportation hub for goods by land, Cameroon and to Chad and the Central African Republic. 3CTC was given to CMA CGM as a part of a 25-year deal.
"3CTC opening demonstrates our commitment to strengthen our presence in Africa. It also confirms our desire to become a major player in the economic growth of Cameroon, "said Vice President of CMA CGM, Rodolphe Saade.
"The decision to open this platform was taken two years before the congestion at the port of Douala. But I recognize that congestion has accelerated things," explains Alexis Michel, Central Director Logistics Container, Intermodal & Reefer, Jeune Afrique.
CMA CGM is also a candidate in the tender for the concession of the container terminal at the deep-water port of Kribi, in association with Bolloré Africa Logistics and China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC)
The CMA CGM Group has been in sub-Saharan Africa, where it has 1,300 employees in 72 offices, since 2001. Present in 43 countries, the Group counts 27 direct maritime services joining the continent to the rest of the world. Its development strategy relies on maritime services that are among the best in the market, and new land transportation solutions and port projects.
