Cotonou

1. Cotonou pilot boarding place Pilot boards06°18.1′N 002°28.3′E

Size limits

Tankers: Length 185m, beam 40m, draught 13m.

LOA unrestricted, beam 48.40m, draught 15.0m, 141,838DWT.

Water density

1020-1024.

Load line zone

Tropical.

Tides

MHWS-MLWS 1.6m, MHWN-MLWN 1.3m.

Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.

Approach

The port is approached from seaward and entered through a dredged channel between the heads of two breakwaters.

The breakwater extends 0.5nm SSW from a position 0.75nm W of the entrance to Lac Nokoue. The W breakwater extends SE then E from a position 0.3nm WNW of the head of the E breakwater. A groyne extends S from the elbow of the W breakwater. Lights are exhibited on the heads of the E and W breakwaters and above the groyne and within the harbour.

The entrance channel is 1nm in length, 180m wide and is dredged to depths varying between 11.0-12.0m but there is a tendency to silting. The harbour is dredged to 11.0m. Vessels with a maximum draught of 10.0m can be accommodated.

A new channel marked with buoys and dredged to a depth of 15.0m extends 3.2nm SE from the breakwater.

Port limits

The port limits are 3nm from the sea buoy.

Anchorages

Anchorage with good holding ground may be obtained about 0.6nm SE of the head of W breakwater in a depth of 13.0m.

Anchorage is not recommended in the entrance to Lac Nokoue where the current can attain a rate of 6kts.

On anchoring vessels should inform Port Control of time of anchoring, LOA, draught, agency, type and tonnage of cargo to be discharged.

Prohibited anchorage: W of the meridian passing though the centre of the head of the West Pier.

All anchorage is prohibited in the entrance channel.

Restrictions

Restricted cargo: Cargo of class 7, IMDG code (Radioactive materials) must not be imported to Benin. The port's new zoning plan provides a special designated area for IMDG code goods.

Tugs

Compulsory for vessels entering and leaving, also any movement in the harbour for vessels over 100GT.

One tug compulsory for vessels of LOA 100m. Two tugs compulsory for vessels over LOA 100m and carrying dangerous cargo.

There are 3 tugs available, 1 x 2,000hp and 2 x 1,500hp, all with fire fighting and sea rescue capability.

Charts and publications

BA 1385,1384. US Publication 123. Admiralty Pilot NP1, NP286(8).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

Should be sent 48 hours in advance, (before noon of preceding day if arriving on Sunday or a public holiday) via the agent.

Dangerous Cargo: Notice of 48 hours should be given to the harbour authorities with the manifests and the documentation relating to the dangerous cargo by specifying the classes, quantity and the consignees.

Communications

VHF: Port Control: Ch 16, 14. Tel: +229 2131 4033.

Pilots: Ch 16, 12. Tel: +229 2131 4033.

Health

Pratique arranged on arrival. Ship Sanitation Control Certificate and Exemption Certificates issued.

Customs and immigration

Customs officers are located at the harbour.

Flags

The flag of Benin should be flown when berthing.

Notices and regulations

On berthing and on closing down of radio, vessel should inform port control.

A request must be made to the harbour master, at least 3 hours prior to any movement of a vessel, and before 1830hrs for any night movement.

ISPS

ISPS Designated Authority: Direction de la Marine Marchande.

Address: PO Box 1234, Cotonou, Benin.

Tel: +229 31 6111.

Fax: +229 31 5845.

Email: [email protected]

Telex: 5225 COBNAM.

For further ISPS information see IMO website http://www.imo.org

Repairs

There are facilities available for small repairs.

Dry docks

General repairs available, conversion and shipbuilding constructions, slipway available 70m length and 25m wide.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available at all wharfs.

Bunkering: Fuel and diesel oil available.

Stores: Available.

Medical

Approx 3km from the port.

Crew change

Possible.

Transport

Nearest airport: Cotonou, 7km.

Nearest railway: Cotonou.

Working hours

Normally 0700-1500hrs and 1500-2100hrs. Overtime 2100-0700hrs.

Where it is

Cotonou port is located in the Gulf of Guinea, on West African coast about 90nm ENE of Cape St Paul.

The port

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

Approx 12,500,000t of cargo, 526,000TEU handled annually.

Where does the pilot board at Cotonou?

The pilot boards at Cotonou pilot boarding place, 06°18.1′N 002°28.3′E.

What time zone is Cotonou in?

Local time at Cotonou is UTC+1. No summer time.

What is the maximum draft at Cotonou?

The deepest berth listed is at Coman SA Container Terminal: 15.00 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Cotonou?

1020-1024.

Which load line zone is Cotonou in?

Tropical.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Cotonou?

The UN/LOCODE of Cotonou is BJCOO.

What crews who called at Cotonou say: pilot boarding, the agent's papers, inspections, shore leave. Each tip is shown with the writer's rank and ship type, and an AI summary sits on top once there are three or more.

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