Abidjan-Douala shipping costs surge 95% in 2025

Shipping costs for the Abidjan-Douala maritime corridor have increased by 95% in 2025, according to data from Cameroon’s National Shippers’ Council (CNCC). The average cost to transport a 20-foot dry container rose from CFA 682,000 in 2024 to CFA 1.328 million this year.

This surge has made the intra-African route more expensive than shipments originating from major European hubs. Shipping from Antwerp to Douala now averages CFA 1.146 million (a 33% decrease), while shipments from Le Havre average CFA 1.312 million (a 19% decrease). Consequently, shipping from Abidjan is now more costly than from Antwerp by approximately 16%.

Quarterly statistics indicate the trend began early in the year; by the second quarter of 2025, costs had already reached CFA 1.328 million, a 98% increase compared to the same period in 2024. This rise occurred prior to late-year surcharges implemented by carriers such as CMA CGM and Maersk.