Maritime Information on Benin: Port, Navigation and Trade

The Port of Cotonou: Benin's Maritime Gateway

Benin has a strategic coastline on the Atlantic Ocean, with its main port located in Cotonou, the country's economic capital. This port is the main maritime hub for Benin and plays a crucial role in the national and regional economy. Its geographical position makes it an important transit point for international trade, particularly for goods coming from and going to inland West African countries such as Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali.

The port of Cotonou is equipped to handle various types of cargo, including containers, solid and liquid bulk, as well as miscellaneous goods. It has modern infrastructure enhancing the handling capacity and speed of vessel processing. Port management has been reformed in recent years to improve competitiveness and service quality, with ongoing efforts to attract more commercial flows and regular shipping lines. Improving maritime security and combating piracy in the region are also priorities to ensure reliable and safe transport.

Due to its strategic importance, the port of Cotonou benefits from continuous investments for the development of quays, warehouses, and handling equipment. The Beninese government collaborates with international partners to modernize port infrastructure and facilitate maritime trade in the region. These initiatives aim to position Benin as a major logistics hub in West Africa.

Regulations, Maritime Safety, and Challenges in Benin

The maritime sector in Benin is subject to national and international regulations designed to ensure safety, marine environmental protection, and compliance with global standards. The National Maritime Safety Agency (ANSM) plays a key role in monitoring maritime activities, managing waterways, and preventing accidents at sea. Beninese authorities also cooperate with regional and international organizations to strengthen maritime security, particularly to combat piracy and illegal maritime trafficking in the Gulf of Guinea.

Moreover, Benin faces several challenges in the maritime sector: the need to improve training for sector actors, modernize port infrastructure, and effectively manage marine pollution. Preserving marine ecosystems is also an important issue, with actions aimed at reducing the negative impacts of port and industrial activities.

The sustainable development of the maritime sector relies on an integrated strategy including the promotion of coastal shipping, facilitation of cross-border trade, and diversification of maritime activities such as fishing, passenger transport, and logistics services. In sum, Benin continues to strengthen its maritime capacities to support economic growth and ensure a competitive maritime presence in the region.