News

Since January 2020, Benin’s Navy has been providing armed guards to vessels calling in Cotonou free of charge.

Following an interministerial decree published on 13 July 2020 (see translation into English here), this is set to change.

Furthermore, while foreign armed guards on vessels calling in Cotonou were previously banned, this latest decree states that:

1. It is manadatory for all vessels calling in a Beninese port to have an Armed Protection Team (APT),
2. Navy guards will only be provided to vessels who do not already have private guards on board,
3. To avoid the illegal entry of weapons into Benin when vessels berth, all weapons will be checked and placed under seal until the vessel sails.

Two charge scales for will apply for the various services provided by Benin’s Navy, depending on the length of the vessel.

Vessels up to 100 m in length

• Placing or removing seals from weapons at quayside                                   305.00 Euros
• Provision of Armed Protection Team on board docked vessel                       534.00 Euros
• APT during stay on the roads on the owner’s decision (additional per day)   228.67 Euros
• APT escort from the wharf or harbour                                                             549.00 Euros

Vessels over 100 m in length

• Placing or removing seals from weapons at quayside                                   305.00 Euros
• Provision of Armed Protection Team on board docked vessel                       686.02 Euros
• APT during stay on the roads on the owner’s decision (additional per day    259.16 Euros
• APT escort from the wharf or harbour                                                            549.00 Euros

Information provided by

Budd Benin
budd.benin@budd-pni.com