Expansion Work Progresses At Benin Port

The Port of Cotonou is undergoing a US$680 million upgrade.

Belgium’s DEME Group has announced it has won a contract to execute dredging works at the Port of Cotonou in southern Benin.

Starting in the fourth quarter of this year, the group says it will undertake the maintenance dredging of the port’s access channel, turning circle and inner basin. 

The port is currently undergoing a major upgrade and expansion.

The Port of Cotonou 2021-26 investment programme aims to renovate and replace obsolete port infrastructure and double the facility’s handling capacity to 23 million tonnes by 2038. 

In July, the African Development Bank (AfDB) approved a €80 million (US$87.6 million) loan to support the programme.

The upgrade and extension of the port has been divided into 12 projects focused on different areas of the port. The combined cost of the projects is estimated at more than US$680 million.

Port basin: This entails extending the port basin by 154 metres towards the west; the renewal of 1,400 metres of existing quay to the north; and dredging of the basin at the level of the North quay to a depth of 15 metres. The project will enable the port to accommodate ships of more than 300 metres in length and with a draft of more than 15 metres. The work is being carried out by a consortium led by France’s Eiffage Genie Civil Marine. Construction got underway in 2022 and is expected to be completed in 2026. The estimated cost of the project is about US$193 million. According to the website of Cotonou port authority, the overall project completion is at 14%.

Terminal 5: A new 20-hectare bulk terminal is under construction by China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC). Work got underway in 2021 and is expected to be completed in 2024. The cost of the project is estimated at US$164 million. As of late November, the overall project completion was at 17%.

Centralised access and parking: This entails the construction of a 13-hectare buffer parking lot and centralised access for trucks to help decongest the Boulevard de la Marina and the port. The work is also being carried out by CHEC. Work got underway 2022 and is expected to be completed in 2024. The cost of the project is about US$42 million. As of late November, the overall project completion was at 1%.

Logistics zone: A 40-hectare logistics zone is planned to be built on the port platform. Work will begin in 2024 and be completed in 2025, at an estimated cost of US$16.7 million. 

Hydrocarbons station: A new berth for hydrocarbons products is planned for the port. Work will begin in 2024 and conclude in 2025, at an estimated cost of US$18.4 million. 

Nautical service area: A nautical service area will be developed for naval forces, with lookouts, tugboats and a shipyard to provide a common service area for naval activities. Work will begin in 2024 with completion in 2026. The estimated cost of the project is US$33.4 million. 

Greater Nokoue logistics platform: This entails the construction of five stores spanning 24,000 square metres each, including four mixed dock and bulk stores, and one dedicated bulk store. This project will see stores currently located inside the port relocated to the Abomey-Calavi area and new stores built to meet international logistics standards. Work began in 2023 and is expected to be completed in 2025. The total estimated cost is US$66.8 million. As of late November, the overall project completion was at 1%.

Fishing port: A new fishing port will be developed across about 8 hectares in Xwlacodji dedicated to artisanal and semi-industrial fishing activities. This project aims to revitalise the Xwlacodji district and create a zone for marketing and processing fishing products. Work began in 2023 and is expected to be completed in 2025. The total cost of the project is estimated at US$70 million. As of late November, the overall project completion was at 1%.

Business centre: A new building for the General Directorate of the Autonomous Port of Cotonou is under construction at an estimated cost of US$73.6 million. Work began in 2022 and is due for completion in 2024. As of late November, the overall project completion was at 7%.

Sales and catering centre: A dedicated sales and catering building is under construction, which will include two halls with 250 seats, 36 shops, 24 sales kiosks, and a secondary hall with 12 seats for small sellers and sales spaces. Work began in 2022 at an US$929,597. As of late November, the overall project completion was at 79%.

Car park reception building: Work also began this year on the construction of a US$2 million reception building for truck drivers, including a storage area, a waiting area, a catering area, offices and toilets. As of late November, the overall project completion was at 0.5%.

Fence renovation: About US$1.7 million is being spent on renewing the fence securing the Port of Cotonou. It is more than 3km long and more than 5 metres high, running from the Presidency to the current Artisanal Fishing Port of Cotonou. Work began in 2021 and is due for completion this year. As of late November, the overall project completion was at 99%.

Top photo: Terminal 5 at Port of Cotonou (Source: Cotonou port authority)