The Port Authority of Douala (PAD) is preparing to sign a strategic partnership with Hydrocarbures, analyses et contrôles (Hydrac), a subsidiary of the Société Nationale des Hydrocarbures (SNH). The main objective is to strengthen the technical control of port infrastructure and ensure the quality of major modernization projects.
The announcement of this collaboration was made on February 27, 2026, by Cyrus Ngo'o, Director General of the PAD, during an inspection of ongoing construction sites. "We are very satisfied with the progress of the construction sites and hope to put in place a framework for collaboration with Hydrac in the coming days to take advantage of the expertise of this public company," he said.
This strategic partnership aims to involve Hydrac from the design of projects to their reception, thus ensuring the solidity of the structures and their compliance with current standards. Specializing in oil inspection, a crucial activity for port terminals, Hydrac is involved in the measurement, sealing and analysis of losses during cargo transshipments. The public company is also called upon to support structuring projects such as the construction of a 300 MW power plant, designed to stabilize the port's energy supply, as well as the modernization of the fishing terminal and the mixed bulk terminal.
Created in 1982, Hydrac's initial mission was to protect Cameroon's interests in oil transactions. Today, its scope of action extends to inspections in the upstream and downstream oil sectors, regulatory technical controls, technical control missions for construction, laboratory analysis, environmental control and technical training. By relying on Hydrac's expertise, the PAD hopes to reduce operational risks and strengthen the attractiveness of the port platform.
The partnership with Hydrac is a continuation of the inspection missions already carried out by the company for the benefit of port infrastructure. Cyrus Ngo'o, who has headed the PAD since 2016, is implementing important reforms within the port authority, including the establishment of autonomous management companies to regain control of strategic activities.
