The operational challenges and impact of port performance on stevedoring at the port of Douala

Stevedoring encompasses the processes of loading and offloading ships as well as the movement of cargo within the port area. The purpose of this study was to investigate the operational challenges at Douala Seaport and their impact on stevedoring efficiency, with specific objectives that seek to identify key processes, common drawbacks, and their effects on port performance. The study used a descriptive research design and involved 50 participants, including port workers, supervisors, and management staff, selected through a simple random sampling technique, and used questionnaires to collect comprehensive data. The findings from the study emphasize the critical role of equipment, particularly cranes and lifting gear, in cargo handling, with maintenance impacting operational efficiency. Several drawbacks significantly hinder port performance, including a shortage of qualified personnel (p=0.005), poor planning and time management (p=0.000), and inadequate infrastructure, like limited clearance lanes. On the other hand, when rewards are introduced and make work setups better, it's crystal clear that efficiency gets a big boost (p=0.000). Consequently, any delays in operations seriously hold back the overall performance of ports, as highlighted by a significant F-value of 67.399 (p=0.000). These findings point to the importance of keeping equipment well-maintained, establishing standard procedures, investing in training for the workforce, improving planning systems, and upgrading port infrastructure. İt is does recommended that further studies delve into new technologies, external economic and political conditions, and the dynamics of human resources to craft thorough strategies for streamlining port activities and ensuring continued progress. Key Words: Maritime Activities, Stevedoring, Operational challenges.