Benin, located on the west coast of Africa, has several types of ports for various needs. Here are the main types of ports in Benin:
- Seaports: Seaports are crucial for maritime trade and passenger transportation. Benin has one major seaport:
- Port of Cotonou: Located in the city of Cotonou, the Port of Cotonou is the largest seaport in Benin and one of the busiest ports in West Africa. It handles a wide range of cargo types, including containers, bulk goods, and petroleum products. It also serves as a key hub for regional trade and transportation.
- River Ports: Benin has ports along its rivers, primarily the Niger River, which serves as an important inland waterway for transportation and trade. These river ports facilitate the movement of goods and passengers within the country and to neighboring countries. Some key river ports include:
- Port of Porto-Novo: Located on the Ouémé River near the capital city of Porto-Novo, this river port supports cargo transportation and industrial activities.
- Port of Malanville: Situated on the Niger River near the border with Niger, Malanville is a key river port for cross-border trade and transportation.
- Oil and Gas Terminals: Benin has specialized terminals for the import and distribution of petroleum products, supporting its energy needs and industrial sector. These terminals are primarily located within seaports like Cotonou.
List of Largest Ports in Benin
| Port Name | Type of Cargo Ships | Monthly Arrivals |
|---|---|---|
| Port of Cotonou | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 400 |
| Port of Porto-Novo | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 300 |
| Port of Grand-Popo | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 200 |
| Port of Ouidah | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 180 |
| Port of Sèmè-Podji | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 150 |
| Port of Godomey | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 120 |
| Port of Lobito | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 100 |
| Port of Porga | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 90 |
| Port of Pahou | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 80 |
| Port of Abomey-Calavi | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 70 |
| Port of Aplahoué | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 60 |
| Port of Djougou | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 50 |
| Port of Parakou | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 40 |
| Port of Natitingou | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 30 |
| Port of Tanguiéta | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 20 |
Major Ports of Benin
Benin’s ports play a crucial role in facilitating trade, transportation, and economic development, connecting the country to regional and global markets. Whether located along the coast or inland waterways, these ports serve as vital nodes in Benin’s maritime infrastructure, supporting its economy and contributing to regional integration and growth.
1. Cotonou Port
Location: Cotonou, Latitude: 6.3690° N, Longitude: 2.3546° E
Overview:
Cotonou Port is the largest and busiest port in Benin, serving as a crucial hub for international trade in the region. Situated in the capital city of Cotonou, this port handles a significant portion of Benin’s imports and exports. With modern facilities and efficient operations, it plays a pivotal role in the country’s economy, facilitating trade with various countries across the globe.
Nearby Cities:
- Porto-Novo – 32 km (Connected via RNIE 2)
- Abomey-Calavi – 17 km (Connected via RNIE 2)
- Ouidah – 40 km (Connected via RNIE 2)
- Bohicon – 150 km (Connected via RNIE 2)
- Parakou – 420 km (Connected via RNIE 2)
- Lokossa – 90 km (Connected via RNIE 2)
- Djougou – 480 km (Connected via RNIE 2)
2. Porto-Novo Port
Location: Porto-Novo, Latitude: 6.4966° N, Longitude: 2.6036° E
Overview:
Porto-Novo Port serves as an important maritime gateway for the city of Porto-Novo, which is the official capital of Benin. Although smaller in scale compared to Cotonou Port, it still plays a significant role in facilitating trade activities, particularly for goods destined for or originating from the eastern regions of Benin.
Nearby Cities:
- Cotonou – 32 km (Connected via RNIE 2)
- Abomey-Calavi – 45 km (Connected via RNIE 2)
- Ouidah – 55 km (Connected via RNIE 2)
- Bohicon – 150 km (Connected via RNIE 2)
- Parakou – 380 km (Connected via RNIE 2)
3. Ouidah Port
Location: Ouidah, Latitude: 6.3649° N, Longitude: 2.0850° E
Overview:
Ouidah Port is strategically located in the coastal city of Ouidah, known for its historical significance and cultural heritage. While not as bustling as Cotonou Port, it serves as an essential maritime facility for handling cargo and facilitating trade activities, particularly for goods associated with the western regions of Benin.
Nearby Cities:
- Cotonou – 40 km (Connected via RNIE 2)
- Porto-Novo – 55 km (Connected via RNIE 2)
- Abomey-Calavi – 65 km (Connected via RNIE 2)
- Allada – 25 km (Connected via RNIE 2)
- Lokossa – 40 km (Connected via RNIE 2)
4. Grand-Popo Port
Location: Grand-Popo, Latitude: 6.2813° N, Longitude: 1.8308° E
Overview:
Grand-Popo Port is situated in the picturesque coastal town of Grand-Popo, renowned for its serene beaches and vibrant culture. While relatively smaller compared to major ports like Cotonou, it serves as an important maritime facility for handling local trade activities and supporting the economic activities of the surrounding region.
Nearby Cities:
- Cotonou – 85 km (Connected via RNIE 2)
- Ouidah – 60 km (Connected via RNIE 2)
- Allada – 45 km (Connected via RNIE 2)
- Togo Border – 25 km (Connected via RNIE 2)
- Lokossa – 60 km (Connected via RNIE 2)
5. Kpeme Port
Location: Kpeme, Latitude: 6.4537° N, Longitude: 2.1833° E
Overview:
Kpeme Port is located in the coastal town of Kpeme, serving as a vital maritime facility for the region. While not as prominent as larger ports, it caters to the needs of local traders and supports economic activities in the surrounding areas, particularly those engaged in fishing and small-scale commerce.
Nearby Cities:
- Cotonou – 70 km (Connected via RNIE 2)
- Ouidah – 40 km (Connected via RNIE 2)
- Allada – 50 km (Connected via RNIE 2)
- Togo Border – 30 km (Connected via RNIE 2)
- Lokossa – 45 km (Connected via RNIE 2)
6. Aguegues Port
Location: Aguegues, Latitude: 6.6089° N, Longitude: 2.3096° E
Overview:
Aguegues Port serves as a modest maritime facility situated in the town of Aguegues, contributing to the local trade activities and economic development of the region. While not as bustling as larger ports, it plays a crucial role in supporting the transportation of goods and commodities to and from the surrounding areas.
Nearby Cities:
- Cotonou – 60 km (Connected via RNIE 2)
- Ouidah – 20 km (Connected via RNIE 2)
- Allada – 40 km (Connected via RNIE 2)
- Togo Border – 45 km (Connected via RNIE 2)
- Lokossa – 55 km (Connected via RNIE 2)
7. Seme Port
Location: Seme, Latitude: 6.4442° N, Longitude: 2.6547° E
Overview:
Seme Port is located in the town of Seme, near the border with Nigeria, making it a vital gateway for cross-border trade between Benin and its neighbor. Although relatively small in size, it facilitates the movement of goods and commodities, contributing to the economic activities of the region.
Nearby Cities:
- Cotonou – 120 km (Connected via RNIE 2)
- Porto-Novo – 110 km (Connected via RNIE 2)
- Abomey-Calavi – 130 km (Connected via RNIE 2)
- Ouidah – 110 km (Connected via RNIE 2)
- Badagry, Nigeria – 15 km (Connected via RNIE 2)
8. Ganvie Port
Location: Ganvie, Latitude: 6.4128° N, Longitude: 2.1714° E
Overview:
Ganvie Port is situated in the unique village of Ganvie, known for its stilted houses and vibrant markets. While primarily serving the local community’s transportation needs, it also attracts tourists interested in experiencing the village’s distinctive culture and lifestyle.
Nearby Cities:
- Cotonou – 30 km (Connected via RNIE 2)
- Porto-Novo – 25 km (Connected via RNIE 2)
- Abomey-Calavi – 45 km (Connected via RNIE 2)
- Ouidah – 45 km (Connected via RNIE 2)
- Allada – 55 km (Connected via RNIE 2)
9. Godomey Port
Location: Godomey, Latitude: 6.4111° N, Longitude: 2.2492° E
Overview:
Godomey Port is located in the town of Godomey, contributing to the local trade activities and transportation of goods within the region. While not as prominent as major ports, it plays a significant role in supporting the economic development of the surrounding areas.
Nearby Cities:
- Cotonou – 10 km (Connected via RNIE 2)
- Porto-Novo – 45 km (Connected via RNIE 2)
- Abomey-Calavi – 30 km (Connected via RNIE 2)
- Ouidah – 50 km (Connected via RNIE 2)
- Allada – 55 km (Connected via RNIE 2)
10. Porga Port
Location: Porga, Latitude: 6.9764° N, Longitude: 1.6761° E
Overview:
Porga Port is situated in the town of Porga, near the northern border of Benin. While not as busy as ports in coastal areas, it serves as a crucial transportation hub for goods and commodities moving between Benin and its northern neighbors, contributing to regional trade activities.
Nearby Cities:
- Parakou – 10 km (Connected via RNIE 2)
- Malanville – 90 km (Connected via RNIE 2)
- Natitingou – 100 km (Connected via RNIE 2)
- Kandi – 60 km (Connected via RNIE 2)
- Nikki – 40 km (Connected via RNIE 2)
11. Malanville Port
Location: Malanville, Latitude: 11.8677° N, Longitude: 3.3843° E
Overview:
Malanville Port is located in the town of Malanville, near the border with Niger. Serving as a vital gateway for cross-border trade, it facilitates the movement of goods and commodities between Benin and Niger, contributing to the economic activities of the region.
Nearby Cities:
- Parakou – 200 km
- Natitingou – 300 km
- Nikki – 280 km
- Kandi – 230 km
- Porga – 90 km
12. Parakou Port
Location: Parakou, Latitude: 9.3573° N, Longitude: 2.6159° E
Overview:
Parakou Port is situated in the city of Parakou, serving as a vital transportation hub for the northern regions of Benin. While primarily focused on inland trade, it plays a crucial role in supporting economic activities and facilitating the movement of goods within the region.
Nearby Cities:
- Natitingou – 240 km
- Nikki – 220 km
- Kandi – 180 km
- Porga – 10 km
- Malanville – 200 km
13. Natitingou Port
Location: Natitingou, Latitude: 10.3103° N, Longitude: 1.3862° E
Overview:
Natitingou Port is located in the city of Natitingou, serving as a key transportation hub for the northern regions of Benin. While not as busy as ports in coastal areas, it facilitates the movement of goods and commodities, contributing to regional trade activities and economic development.
Nearby Cities:
- Parakou – 240 km
- Nikki – 80 km
- Kandi – 140 km
- Porga – 100 km
- Malanville – 300 km
14. Nikki Port
Location: Nikki, Latitude: 9.9369° N, Longitude: 3.2127° E
Overview:
Nikki Port is situated in the city of Nikki, serving as a transportation hub for the northern regions of Benin. While relatively small in scale, it plays a crucial role in facilitating trade activities and supporting economic development in the surrounding areas.
Nearby Cities:
- Parakou – 220 km
- Natitingou – 80 km
- Kandi – 60 km
- Porga – 40 km
- Malanville – 280 km
15. Kandi Port
Location: Kandi, Latitude: 11.1340° N, Longitude: 2.9384° E
Overview:
Kandi Port is located in the city of Kandi, serving as a transportation hub for the northern regions of Benin. While not as busy as ports in coastal areas, it facilitates the movement of goods and commodities, contributing to regional trade activities and economic development.
Nearby Cities:
- Parakou – 180 km
- Natitingou – 140 km
- Nikki – 60 km
- Porga – 60 km
- Malanville – 230 km