The Russian training ship Perekop arrived at the port of Cotonou in Benin on 8 November 2026. The vessel is scheduled to remain docked at this location until 10 November 2026. This visit marks a scheduled stop for the vessel, which is currently engaged in a long-range maritime deployment across the African coast.
Vessel and Crew Details
The Perekop operates as a vessel belonging to the Russian Baltic Fleet. Its primary function involves the instruction and preparation of personnel for naval service. As a specialized training ship, the vessel is equipped with facilities designed to support the educational requirements of the Russian Navy, allowing for the transition of theoretical knowledge into practical application while at sea.
Onboard the ship, hundreds of cadets from the Admiral Ushakov Naval Institute are undergoing practical sea training. These students participate in the voyage to gain experience in operational maritime environments, performing duties under the supervision of the fleet's officers. The training program focuses on essential naval skills, including navigation, ship management, and the maintenance of onboard systems, ensuring that the cadets are prepared for their future roles within the Russian Baltic Fleet. The presence of these hundreds of cadets notes the scale of the training mission, as they rotate through various stations to observe and execute the complex tasks required to operate a naval vessel of this class.
Before the vessel arrived in Cotonou, it completed a series of port calls across the African continent. The ship visited Maputo, Walvis Bay, Douala, and Lagos as part of its deployment. Each stop provided the cadets with further exposure to different maritime logistics and port procedures before the ship reached its current location in Benin on 8 November 2026.
The transit between these ports has required the crew to navigate diverse maritime conditions, providing a rigorous environment for the cadets. In Maputo, the ship conducted initial logistical operations, allowing the cadets to familiarize themselves with international port protocols. Following the visit to Maputo, the Perekop continued its route to Walvis Bay, where the training curriculum continued with a focus on regional maritime navigation. The subsequent stop in Douala offered further opportunities for the students to interact with different port infrastructures. Finally, the visit to Lagos served as the last major deployment milestone before the ship’s arrival in Benin.
The current stay in Cotonou, which encompasses the period from 8 November to 10 November 2026, serves as an integral component of the ship's broader training itinerary. During this time, the ship remains under the operational control of the Russian Baltic Fleet, maintaining its standard training schedule. The cadets from the Admiral Ushakov Naval Institute continue their duties while the ship is docked, ensuring that the practical sea training remains consistent throughout the duration of the port call. This deployment shows the commitment of the Russian Baltic Fleet to providing full maritime education for its future officers, utilizing the Perekop as a primary platform for this essential instruction.
