Limbe sits on Cameroon's Atlantic coast in the South West Region, at the foot of Mount Cameroon and about 70 km by road west of Douala. Tankers, offshore supply vessels, rigs and fishing boats wait or work off this coast, and most of them need something from shore while they are here. This guide covers what masters and agents ask us most often.
Where vessels are served
We deliver to four main points around Limbe:
- Limbe anchorage. Vessels at anchor off the town. Deliveries go out by launch boat from our base.
- Cap Limboh terminal. The jetty area beside the SONARA refinery site. The refinery has been largely out of operation since the 2019 fire, so confirm current terminal operations with your agent before planning a call there.
- Our shore base at Musango Beach, Mukundange. For collection, staging and storage of equipment or stores.
- Offshore positions. Rigs and FPSOs on request. We need the position in latitude and longitude to plan the run.
Weather and sea state
The coast around Limbe is one of the wettest in Africa. Debundscha, a short distance up the coast, is often listed among the rainiest places on Earth. The heaviest rain usually falls between June and October, and squalls can build quickly in the afternoon.
For launch-boat deliveries this means two things. Morning runs are usually calmer, and every boat run is weather-dependent. If the sea state is unsafe we hold the run and tell the master and agent early, with a new time. Cargo is kept packed and dry at the base until the window opens.
What to send before arrival
The earlier we have these details, the more we can have ready when you drop anchor:
- Vessel name and IMO number
- ETA (local time) and expected position
- Requisition: Excel, PDF or a photo of the list, with IMPA codes if you have them
- Appointed port agent and contact
- Billing entity: owner, manager or charterer
Tip: send the list 24 to 48 hours before ETA. Fresh produce is bought on the morning of delivery, but meat, imported items and larger stores orders need a little more time.
Working with your agent
For deliveries inside port limits we work with your appointed agent for customs and access. For a quote you do not need an agent; send us the list and we reply with a firm price, usually within two hours.
Other services at Limbe
The same duty desk can arrange fresh water, garbage and oily water collection with licensed handlers, crew changes through Douala airport, and secure yard space for equipment in transit. One contact covers it all.
Vessel arriving off Limbe?
Send your ETA and list. We reply with a firm price, usually within two hours.