By Rishab Joshi
· Benin Terminal
Benin Terminal operates the container terminal of the Cotonou Port. Benin Terminal has created many jobs for the locals and also works for their welfare by collaborating with NGO’S. For instance, it helps youth suffering from HIV in their education and also spreads awareness about protecting the environment. In 2020, the Benin terminal got two new gantries that would boost the productivity of the Cotonou port.
The modern and highly mechanised gantries have a 40-tonne lifting capacity. They would improve the container storage capacity at the port, speed up loading and unloading of goods and decrease handling time at the terminal. The gantries, manufactured by Konecranes would enhance the stevedoring capabilities of Benin’s container terminal.
The warehouses near the dock are quite old and need renovation. The cargo which has to go to Benin is first transported to Zongo, where the containers are inspected and then the goods are loaded into trucks for bulk deliveries in the inland areas. In case of transit cargo, which needs to be exported to other nations, a new station has been developed at Allada, 40 km away from Cotonou.
In 2019, the Nigerian Government banned imports over its land borders due to increased smuggling and crime rates. This was a major jolt for Cotonou port as Nigeria was one of its biggest customers. On the other hand, Nigeria’s government is developing its own maritime trade and refurbishing its port facilities. This could be a serious concern for Cotonou as it would face increased competition from Nigerian ports. The Government of Benin has responded to this challenge by implementing a modernization plan in Cotonou port in 2020 to make the port more efficient and safe for its trading partners and to encourage private investment.
Apart from the major port of Cotonou, Benin also has some other ports. Let’s have a look at them.
The Seme Terminal
The Seme terminal is a small port in the Bight of Benin Bay which deals with agricultural products and chemicals. An oil pipeline project is under construction between Benin and Nigeria. Once built, this facility would require services of Seme Terminal to transport petroleum to Nigeria.
The Seme terminal’s anchorage depth is around 24 meters and the depth of its oil terminal is around 19 meters.
Read Also: QUESTION OF THE WEEK: What Is Break Bulk Cargo? (2)
Port of Bohicon
Bohicon is yet another small port in the Republic of Benin. It is undergoing rapid modernization and expansion to handle heavy water traffic and bulk cargo. Presently, it handles both inbound and outbound cargo. The main cargo it handles is cottonseed.
Port of Glazoue
This land port handles a minute portion of Benin’s international trade and deals with mostly agricultural goods.
Porto-Novo
Porto-Novo is Benin’s capital and it has a small port near the Gulf of Guinea. It handles an ample volume of cargo traffic to and from Benin and the neighbouring countries. The port in Porto-Novo handles agricultural products, packed food, medicines and building materials.
*Concluded
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