BJ Prefix and UN/LOCODE Structure
A Benin UN/LOCODE normally begins with the ISO country prefix BJ and is followed by a three-character location identifier, such as BJCOT for the indexed Cotonou record.
Seaports in Benin: Port Codes, Throughput & Regional Guide (2026)
Benin has 6 ports and terminals indexed in the Ecer Freight database, with Cotonou serving as the country’s principal maritime gateway for regional and international cargo.
Explore Benin port codes, cargo roles, indicative trade lanes and data sources for 2026 planning.
Benin Port Overview
Benin’s maritime activity is concentrated around Cotonou, while Porto Novo and Parakou records reflect additional city-level, inland or logistics entries in the indexed port dataset. Port rankings and database coverage are separate measures.
6
Benin ports & terminals indexed in our database
Ecer Freight database · Nov 2026
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Port cargo throughput, 2025 official series; YoY: —
PAC / MOT 2025
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Container throughput, 2025 official series; YoY: —
PAC 2025
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Commercial berths, 2025 official series; YoY: —
PAC 2025
How many seaports does Benin have?
Benin has 6 seaports and terminals indexed by Ecer Freight in its November 2026 database snapshot.
What is Benin’s busiest port?
Cotonou is Benin’s principal and busiest maritime gateway; the indexed records include Cotonou under BJCOO and BJCOT.
Which area handles most of Benin’s maritime cargo?
The coastal Cotonou area handles the main share of Benin’s seaborne cargo, with the principal port record identified as BJCOT.
Top Benin Ports by Indexed Activity
The table follows the activity order of the Ecer Freight sample. Publicly comparable 2025 TEU league-rank data is not available for every indexed record, so unsupported rankings and throughput figures are left blank rather than estimated.
Indexed port and terminal records in Benin
| World rank | Port | UN-LOCODE | 2025 throughput (M TEU) | YoY change | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | Cotonou | BJCOO | — | — | Cotonou coastal hub |
| — | Cotonou | BJCOT | — | — | Cotonou coastal hub |
| — | Porto Novo | BJPTN | — | — | Porto Novo cluster |
| — | Parakou | BJPAR | — | — | Parakou inland logistics |
| — | Parakou | BEPAR | — | — | Parakou inland logistics |
| — | Porto Novo | BJPNO | — | — | Porto Novo cluster |
Benin Port Regions and Cargo Roles
Cotonou Coastal Hub
Cotonou is the key maritime gateway and the main point for containerised imports, exports, transit cargo and connections with the Gulf of Guinea.
Cotonou indexed records
Porto Novo Cluster
Porto Novo records represent the capital-area logistics cluster. Cargo routing and operational status should be confirmed against the booking service and carrier schedule.
Porto Novo indexed records
| Port | UN-LOCODE | City / Province | Main cargo role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Porto Novo | BJPTN | Porto Novo / — | Capital-area logistics and local distribution |
| Porto Novo | BJPNO | Porto-novo / — | City-level port or terminal record |
Parakou Inland Logistics
Parakou is an inland logistics centre rather than a direct seaport. These records may support inland cargo planning linked to coastal gateways, subject to the actual facility and service selected.
Parakou indexed records
Benin Port Codes Explained
City-Level and Terminal-Level Records
A city-level location and a terminal or facility record can appear as separate database entries. The applicable code should be checked against the carrier booking, transport document and physical facility.
How to Verify a Port Code
Compare the code with the UNECE UN/LOCODE reference and the Ecer Freight port directory before preparing shipping documents.
Shipping from Benin: Main Trade Lanes
Transit times are indicative planning ranges from Cotonou and depend on vessel rotation, transshipment, port handling, inland delivery and customs clearance.
Benin to Northern Europe
Cotonou cargo to Northern European gateways commonly moves through direct or transshipment services, depending on the carrier network and sailing date.
Benin to the Mediterranean
Mediterranean services support trade between Benin and Southern European, North African and Eastern Mediterranean markets, usually with schedule-dependent routing.
Benin to Asia
Asia-bound containers from Benin generally use transshipment hubs in West Africa, the Mediterranean or the Middle East, subject to the carrier’s rotation.
Benin to West Africa and Regional Markets
Short-sea and regional services connect Benin with Gulf of Guinea markets, while inland movements extend the Cotonou gateway’s catchment area.
Data Sources and Methodology
The page separates first-party indexed coverage from externally reported port statistics. Figures are reviewed against available public sources and should be confirmed for live booking decisions.
- Ecer Freight Ports Database — 6 Benin port and terminal records in the November 2026 snapshot.
- Port Autonome de Cotonou — official port authority information and operational context.
- Government of Benin — national transport and public-sector context where published.
- UNECE — UN/LOCODE structure and location-code reference.
- NGA Maritime Safety Information — maritime geographic and navigation reference context.
Benin Port FAQ
How many seaports does Benin have?
Benin has 6 seaports and terminals indexed by Ecer Freight in the November 2026 database snapshot.
What is the main port in Benin?
Cotonou is the main maritime port and principal commercial gateway in Benin. The indexed Cotonou records are BJCOO and BJCOT.
What is the UN/LOCODE for Cotonou?
The Ecer Freight sample includes BJCOO and BJCOT for Cotonou. The correct code should be matched to the named facility and shipping document.
Which regions are covered by Benin port records?
The indexed records cover the Cotonou coastal hub, the Porto Novo cluster and Parakou inland logistics records. Parakou is inland and is not a direct seaport.
How current is the Benin port data?
The database snapshot is from November 2026. The latest complete statistical reference year used for the page is 2025, and live schedules, capacities and handling conditions remain subject to confirmation.
How can a shipment from Benin be quoted?
Use the FCL or LCL rate search to request a route-specific quotation. Cargo type, container size, origin, destination, transshipment, inland delivery and customs requirements affect the final offer.
Editorial note: Port codes and indexed coverage are maintained from the Ecer Freight database, while port operations and statistical context are checked against available official or institutional sources. Data is reviewed quarterly, with live rates, schedules, berth conditions and carrier acceptance subject to confirmation.
Ecer Freight · Seaports in Benin: Port Codes, Throughput & Regional Guide (2026) · Data reviewed quarterly · Port Codes · Ports by Country · Contact