Maersk (Maersk) has opened a new technology-driven Warehousing & Distribution (W&D) facility in Douala, Cameroon.
Maersk’s new facility is located in of one of the country’s most significant ports along the West African coast, the Douala Port Zone, which also acts as a gateway to many Central African markets.
The facility will be spread over 16,000 square-metres, including more than 12,000 square-metres covered space that provides more than 8,000 pallet positions.
It will also offer dry warehousing and distribution, with an emphasis on deconsolidation and fulfilment.
As a bonded facility, it intends to store cargo throughout the customs clearance procedure. At this facility, Maersk aims to provide value-added services such as palletisation, packing, and kitting.
According to the shipping giant, the optimised operations using technology will aid in reducing waste and inventory errors and provide an improved experience to customers.
Michel Koffi, Managing Director at Maersk Southern West Africa, said: “With the rapid expansion of the middle-class population in the region, there is a growing demand for goods, especially in the FMCG sector.
“The Port of Douala plays a crucial role in meeting this demand, as it handles over 70 per cent of imports into Cameroon, serving both the nation’s population and its landlocked neighbours within the Central African Economic and Monetary Community.
“We are expanding our logistics footprint in Southern West Africa and will scale up as per the customers’ demands.”
In July 2023, Maersk expanded its presence in Croatia by building its first multi-customer warehouse.
Source: Port Technology