Cotonou Port, Benin's principal commercial harbor, is strategically located on the western shore of Lake Nokoué's outlet in southern Benin. Serving as a crucial maritime hub in West Africa, the port bears the five-letter code BJCOO and functions as both a city port and base port within Benin's Littoral Department.
Port Overview and Facilities
The port accommodates vessels with a maximum draft of 12.5 meters in water with a density of 1025. With tidal variations reaching 1.75 meters, operations are primarily influenced by southwestern winds. Mandatory pilotage requires vessels to communicate via VHF radio channels 12, 14, 16, 18, and 218 kHz. Anchoring is prohibited within a 1,100-meter radius of the lighthouse, with pilots boarding ships southwest of the southern breakwater.
Standard operational hours run from 7:00 to 22:00, with overtime services available when necessary. To maintain operational efficiency, Cotonou Port offers comprehensive services including:
- Ship repair facilities
- Medical assistance
- Tugboat services
- Freshwater supply
- Sewage disposal systems
Notably, the port lacks refueling services and dry dock capabilities.
The harbor features a 14-meter-deep anchorage accommodating ten general cargo and bulk carrier berths spanning approximately 1,500 meters. Specialized facilities include dedicated roll-on/roll-off berths, container terminals, and two oil tanker berths measuring 200 meters in length with a 9.25-meter draft capacity.
International Relations and Economic Significance
As Benin's economic cornerstone, Cotonou Port hosts consular offices from Belgium, France, the Netherlands, Nigeria, and the United Kingdom. Its shipping routes primarily serve West African markets, stimulating local economic development and establishing the port as a critical nexus for regional commerce. This strategic positioning enhances the port's role in facilitating cross-border trade flows.
Through its advantageous geography, robust infrastructure, and active international engagement, Cotonou Port has solidified its position as an indispensable maritime gateway in West Africa, contributing significantly to Benin's economic vitality.
