(Ecofin Agency) - The Container Terminal Operator (RTC) of the Port of Douala distributed CFA2 billion in commercial rebates for the FY2024 during a ceremony held on April 25.

The rebates were allocated based on the volume of full containers (measured in twenty-foot equivalent units, or TEUs) handled at the port. Shipping companies received 20% of the total amount, while importers and exporters received 80%.

Charles Michaux Moukoko Njoh, Deputy General Manager of the Port Authority of Douala (PAD), said the rebate system was adjusted this year to reward shippers even more. "The shippers are the real engine behind our growth," he said, adding that their share was increased by nearly 15%.

Among the shipping lines, Denmark's Maersk Group claimed the highest rebate, receiving CFA168.8 million. It was followed by MSC (Mediterranean Shipping Company), with CFA164.7 million, and France’s CMA CGM, which received CFA86.2 million.

For national importers, where a minimum of 520 full TEUs was required to qualify, seafood distributor Congelcam led the pack with a rebate of CFA68 million. Brewer UCB followed with CFA42.3 million, and Orca Industry came third with CFA26.3 million.

On the exporters’ side, where the minimum was set at 350 full TEUs, the top beneficiary was Sodecoton, which received CFA102.6 million. Agricultural company Ofi Cameroun followed with CFA47.8 million, and cocoa trader Telcar Cocoa secured CFA39 million.

Shippers from landlocked neighboring countries such as the Central African Republic and Chad did not receive their checks during the event. RTC said it plans to organize separate official ceremonies in each country to hand over their rebates.

Frédéric Nonos