The Autonomous Port of Cotonou (PAC) took a significant step in its approach to expanding and modernizing the port platform with the arrival of the MSC VITTORIA on Friday, October 3, 2025, a container ship of exceptional dimensions. The arrival and successful handling of this vessel marks a major turning point for the port of Cotonou. It firmly establishes that the Port of Cotonou can now handle large vessels.
A Giant of the Seas Welcomed in Cotonou
The MSC VITTORIA, a Neo Panamax vessel, is operated by MSC (Mediterrean Shipping Company), a world leader in shipping and logistics. Its features highlight the operational milestone reached by the port community:
Length: Over 325 meters
Width: Approximately 43 meters
Capacity: Approximately 8,089 TEU (Containers)
This vessel demonstrates the Port of Cotonou's ability to now handle larger vessels from around the world and to accommodate them with the operational excellence that this requires.
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The expansion and modernization of the Port of Cotonou are already bearing fruit
The arrival of the MSC VITTORIA is tangible proof of the efforts undertaken to develop and modernize the infrastructure of the Port of Cotonou. This event confirms that the Port of Cotonou now has the operational and infrastructural capacity necessary to accommodate and handle large vessels.
This progress marks the port's entry into a new era of attractiveness and competitiveness, strengthening its position as a modern, innovative and strategic logistics hub serving the economies of the sub-region.
The Autonomous Port of Cotonou is thus gaining in attractiveness and credibility, sending strong and reassuring signals to new potential partners, who will now see Cotonou as a destination of choice for the transport of their goods.
