Container gateway · Benin
Port of Cotonou
Cotonou is a container gateway on the Gulf of Guinea in Benin (West Africa). Below: key facts, how it connects with Vietnam and what to prepare when shipping through it.
Key facts
- Country / territory
- Benin
- UN/LOCODE
- BJCOO
- Port type
- Container gateway
- Region
- West Africa
- Waters
- Gulf of Guinea
- Coordinates
- 6.35°N, 2.43°E
- Container throughput
- No verified figure published here
About the port of Cotonou
Cotonou is a container gateway: most boxes handled are imports and exports for its own hinterland, carried on mainline and regional services.
Role in trade with Vietnam
West African ports are served from Asia mainly via the Cape of Good Hope, frequently with transshipment in Singapore, Port Klang, Lomé or other regional hubs.
Sea routes and transit times from Vietnam
We have not published a sample voyage to Cotonou yet. Typical options from Vietnam are direct regional services or transshipment via a major hub; ask us for current schedules.
Shipping lines
Most global carriers and regional lines serve this region. We check current services and space for your shipment when quoting. All shipping lines →
Customs and documentation tips
- Make sure the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading and customs declaration show consistent descriptions, HS codes, quantities and weights.
- Agree the Incoterms® rule and who arranges freight, insurance and destination charges before booking.
- Choose the bill of lading type (original, telex release or sea waybill) according to the payment terms with your buyer or supplier.
- Declare the verified gross mass (VGM) of each container before the carrier’s cut-off, as required by SOLAS.
- Check destination import requirements early: licences, product standards, labelling, fumigation or phytosanitary certificates where applicable.
Frequently asked questions about Cotonou
Where is the port of Cotonou?
Cotonou is in Benin, on the Gulf of Guinea, in the West Africa shipping region.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Cotonou?
The UN/LOCODE commonly used for Cotonou is BJCOO. Check the exact terminal or location code required by the carrier when booking.
How long does sea freight take from Vietnam to Cotonou?
It depends on the routing and whether the service is direct or via transshipment. Contact us for current schedules from Hai Phong, Cat Lai or Cai Mep.
What documents are needed to ship via Cotonou?
Usually a commercial invoice, packing list and bill of lading, plus any certificates required by the destination (origin, phytosanitary, fumigation, licences). Advance cargo filings may apply before loading.
Can Global Logistic Group arrange shipping to or from Cotonou?
Yes. We arrange FCL and LCL ocean freight, customs clearance and inland transport for Cotonou through our carrier contracts and agent network. Send us your cargo details for a quote.
Information on this page is general guidance compiled by Global Logistic Group from public sources. Port facilities, carrier networks, routings and transit times change frequently; always confirm current schedules, cut-offs and requirements with us or the carrier before booking. Data as of October 2026.