Cotonou port in Benin is currently still experiencing port congestion. This is having knock on effects for containers moving to Niger.
Following the customs strike in September and due to the construction projects still taking place in the harbour, Cotonou port is currently overburdened.
Due to the strike, the hundreds of containers that arrived in September in transit for Niger are still awaiting departure.
In addition, the construction work in the harbour is preventing trucks from entering the loading areas. A new process for truck access was put in place by port management, but trucks can only enter the port a few at a time.
Container terminal congestion is forcing ships to stay in the harbour for longer before proceeding with their operations.
Construction works in the harbour will last a few more weeks and will therefore continue to disrupt import and export operations, as well as transits to Niger.
More information on Benin at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benin
Should customers be concerned or wish to receive further explanation on the above – please call your Customer Liaison or use the head office number to be put through on +44 (0) 1842 816600 or by emailing shipping@abels.co.uk