The Port of Cotonou will begin operating on a 24/7 basis starting Saturday, 24 October 2026. This transition shifts the facility to continuous service hours to accommodate increased activity at the maritime hub in Bénin. The implementation of this 24/7 operational regime marks a significant change in how the port manages its daily throughput and logistics coordination.
Customs services, handling companies, and consignees are included in the new round-the-clock schedule. Health control bodies and banking institutions operating within the Port autonome de Cotonou are also required to align with these extended hours. By mandating that these specific sectors adhere to the new 24/7 schedule, the port administration ensures that the entire logistical chain functions without interruption. This full approach is designed to eliminate downtime for stakeholders who rely on the port for daily operations.
Management at the Port autonome de Cotonou is currently developing the SIGOP (Système intégré de gestion des opérations portuaires) to support this shift. The platform will regulate truck traffic through a mandatory booking system. This digital tool aims to manage the flow of vehicles entering and exiting the site as operations move to a continuous cycle. The development of the SIGOP (Système intégré de gestion des opérations portuaires) is considered a critical component of the transition, as it provides the necessary infrastructure to handle the increased volume of trucks expected during the night and weekend shifts.
The integration of the SIGOP (Système intégré de gestion des opérations portuaires) will allow the Port autonome de Cotonou to oversee the movement of goods more efficiently. By requiring trucks to use a mandatory booking system, the port aims to prevent congestion at the gates and within the terminal area. This system will serve as the primary mechanism for coordinating the arrival and departure of transport vehicles under the new 24/7 schedule.
The inclusion of health control bodies and banking institutions in the new 24/7 schedule ensures that all administrative and regulatory requirements can be met at any time of the day or night. For customs services and handling companies, this move towards continuous service means that cargo can be processed and cleared without waiting for the start of traditional business hours. Consignees will also be able to access the facilities to retrieve their goods according to the new, expanded operational timeline.
The Port autonome de Cotonou is coordinating these efforts to ensure that the transition to 24/7 operations is smooth for all parties involved. The deployment of the SIGOP (Système intégré de gestion des opérations portuaires) is intended to provide real-time oversight of the port’s activity, helping to maintain order and security as the facility moves away from restricted business hours. Every stakeholder, including the banking institutions and health control bodies, is expected to finalize their internal arrangements to comply with the new schedule beginning Saturday, October 24, 2026. This move reflects the broader strategic goals for the Port of Cotonou as it updates its operational framework to better facilitate the needs of its partners and the flow of international trade.
