The operational logic beneath Cotonou’s container turnaround
West African port hubs are straining under critical congestion, yet Benin’s maritime gateway is quietly holding its ground. Container waiting times at the Autonomous Port of Cotonou are estimated at 36 to 72 hours, placing the facility among the smoothest in the sub-region.
In a West African maritime logistics landscape that often turns into a headache, the Autonomous Port of Cotonou (PAC) is showing notable resilience. At the PAC Media Connect meeting held in early October 2026, Charles Bennett Fayomi, Director of Port Operations and Security, laid out a comparative assessment of commercial activity.
A sharp regional contrast
While several neighbouring ports record waiting times at sea ranging from six weeks to two months, Cotonou manages to keep its containers at berth with a pre-docking wait of between 36 and 72 hours.
The achievement stands out even more given that overall saturation levels at some coastal infrastructure reach 200% to 250%, compared with roughly 100% for the Beninese port.
“There are ports right now where ships stay immobilised for a month at sea without operators being able to touch their goods. Here, we manage to hold the line,” Charles Bennett Fayomi stressed.
A logistical release valve
Paradoxically, this relative efficiency comes while the port is in the middle of an expansion project. By absorbing part of the surplus cargo diverted from saturated ports in the sub-region, Cotonou is positioning itself as a strategic logistical alternative for West African trade.
Controlled costs for operators
Although rising volumes put constant pressure on handling chains, port authorities are keen to reassure economic players about the financial impact. The PAC says it keeps ancillary fees and delay-related penalties among the lowest on the regional market, preserving the competitiveness of the Beninese corridor.