The shipping platform

Location: Cotonou port is located in the Gulf of Guinea, on West African coast about 90nm ENE of Cape St Paul. General overview: Cotonou is the only port for the Republic of Benin. A large artificial port, sheltered within 2 breakwaters. There are berths for a variety of cargoes including quayage along the E breakwater. The outer anchorage may be exposed to hurricanes. The main exports are cotton and kapok and main imports are gypsum and cereals. The port also handles containers and Ro-Ro cargoes. Traffic figures: Approx 1,320 vessels and approx 5,150,000t of cargo handled annually. Load line zone: Tropical. Max size: Tankers: Length 200m, beam 30m, draught 10.0m. Other ships: LOA 225m, beam 35m, draught 10.0m.