(BOLLORE) - On 18 July 2020, Benin Terminal welcomed the "CCNI ARAUCO", the largest ship to have ever berthed at Cotonou. This 300-metre long, MAERSK ship weighing over 100,062 tonnes, sailing under the Hong Kong flag, berthed at Benin Terminal's berth No. 10.

This ship coming from Shanghai has a loading capacity of 8,700 twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU) containers. It allowed Benin Terminal's teams to unload containers intended for Benin and for bordering countries and to load containers of products for export.

Thanks to the actions implemented by Benin Terminal in synergy with the Autonomous Port of Cotonou, four other ships of this size have already been announced over the next few days on Benin Terminal's berths.

"This operation, resulting from the partnership between the Autonomous Port of Cotonou, MAERSK and Benin Terminal, is the culmination of the plan to modernise the Port of Cotonou's container terminal. With significant investments in equipment, information systems, and staff training, Benin Terminal is helping to make the Port of Cotonou a driving force for the social and economic development of Benin." stated Arnaud Jobard, Director of Operations for Benin Terminal.

Large-capacity ships calling at the Port of Cotonou reinforces Benin Terminal's aim of becoming a growing regional logistics hub for Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso and Nigeria. This is helping to strengthen Benin Terminal's contribution to the economic development of Benin.

About Benin Terminal

Benin Terminal is the operator of the container terminal of the Port of Cotonou. A key player in the country's logistics chain, Benin Terminal employs 650 Beninese nationals and develops a subcontracting policy making it possible to generate one thousand indirect jobs. Benin Terminal also leads initiatives for populations in partnership with NGOs. For example, it assists young people suffering from HIV in their education, supports the empowerment of young people and raises awareness of environmental protection.