Maersk, the global integrated logistics company, has opened the doors to its state-of-the-art Warehousing & Distribution (W&D) facility in Douala, Cameroon, ushering in a new era of technology-driven logistics in the heart of Central Africa.
Nestled within the bustling Douala Port Zone, Maersk’s newly inaugurated facility is strategically situated to efficiently handle the constant flow of goods through one of Cameroon’s most vital ports. Douala serves as a gateway to an array of markets in Central Africa, making it an ideal logistics hub.
Michel Koffi, Managing Director of Maersk Southern West Africa, commented on the region’s burgeoning middle-class population and its increasing demand for goods, particularly in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector. He noted, “The Port of Douala plays a crucial role in meeting this demand, as it handles over 70% of imports into Cameroon, serving both the nation’s population and its landlocked neighbours within the Central African Economic and Monetary Community.”
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Addressing the Demand-Supply Gap
Recognizing a noticeable gap between the demand for modern Warehousing & Distribution (W&D) facilities and their availability in this thriving market, Maersk has made a strategic investment in a technology-driven Warehouse Management System (WMS) facility. This initiative not only bridges the demand-supply gap but also offers customers a cost-effective and efficient logistics solution.
Maersk’s new W&D facility in Douala boasts an impressive 16,000 sq. m. footprint, with more than 12,000 sq. m. of covered space and over 8,000 pallet positions. The facility caters to dry warehousing and distribution, with a specific emphasis on deconsolidation and fulfilment services. It also operates as a bonded facility, enabling the secure storage of cargo during the customs clearance process. In addition to standard warehousing services, Maersk will offer value-added services such as palletization, packing, and kitting.
The facility is equipped with a state-of-the-art Warehouse Management System (WMS) that provides customers with accurate and real-time visibility of their inventory. The implementation of lot, batch, and serial numbering ensures the efficient movement of goods through the facility. This technology-driven approach is poised to significantly reduce waste and inventory errors, ultimately resulting in an enhanced customer experience.
Sustainability and Commitment to Decarbonization
Aligned with its ambitious goal to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2040, Maersk has integrated sustainability features into the Douala facility. The facility’s internal lighting is powered by low-consumption LED lights, while external lighting relies on solar energy. Furthermore, all forklifts required for W&D operations are battery-operated and charged using solar energy. At the outset of operations, 15% of the site’s electricity needs will be met by on-site solar panels, with plans to further expand this renewable energy capacity in the future.
Customers leveraging Maersk’s Douala facility for both bonded and non-bonded storage and distribution stand to gain numerous advantages. When combined with Maersk’s comprehensive suite of services, including ocean transportation, customs clearances, intermodal transportation, and more, the company provides fully integrated logistics solutions. This holistic approach enhances supply chain control, resilience, and cost efficiency, offering customers a comprehensive logistics package under one roof.
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Serving Southern West Africa
Maersk’s operations encompass a significant portion of Southern West Africa, including countries like Angola, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, and Sao Tome and Principe. The establishment of Maersk’s advanced facility in Douala underscores the company’s commitment to meeting the evolving logistics needs of the region and driving sustainable growth in the logistics sector.
Maersk’s cutting-edge Warehousing & Distribution facility in Douala, Cameroon, represents a significant leap forward in the realm of technology-driven logistics. Positioned strategically and equipped with advanced features, this facility is poised to play a pivotal role in enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of logistics operations in Central Africa.