Damen wins Cotonou port contract for 2 HDPE pontoons

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Dutch shipbuilding group Damen has secured a contract to supply two high density polyethylene pontoons to the Port of Cotonou in Benin, adding new marine infrastructure as the West African port prepares for continued growth.

Each pontoon will measure 85 metres long and 4 metres wide. Damen will deliver the project in collaboration with French construction and infrastructure group Eiffage, although the companies have not disclosed the contract value, delivery schedule or planned application of the pontoons.

The pontoons will be manufactured from high density polyethylene, commonly known as HDPE. The material is resistant to corrosion and impact, making it suitable for infrastructure that remains continuously exposed to seawater and demanding port operations.

Unlike steel structures, HDPE pontoons do not require protective coatings to prevent corrosion. This can reduce inspection, painting and repair requirements during their working life. Damen said the material should provide lower lifecycle costs, limited maintenance needs and consistent operational availability for the port authority.

Marine infrastructure is often judged less by its appearance than by how frequently it must be removed from service. In that respect, the choice of material can be as important as the dimensions of the structure itself.

The modular nature of HDPE construction can also support installation and maintenance in working port environments, where prolonged disruption may affect vessel access and waterside activities.

The Port autonome de Cotonou serves Benin and provides an important maritime gateway for cargo moving to and from landlocked markets in West Africa. Its location on the Gulf of Guinea places the port within a regional network of competing coastal gateways serving inland trade corridors.

The two pontoons will become part of the port’s supporting infrastructure, although their precise operational roles have not been specified. Such structures can be configured for a range of waterside activities, including vessel access, passenger movements, maintenance operations and service craft berthing.

Damen described the contract as part of an effort to build infrastructure capable of supporting the port’s long term development. The project also extends the company’s involvement in African maritime markets beyond conventional vessel construction and repair.

Eiffage will work alongside Damen on the contract, bringing construction and infrastructure experience to the delivery programme. The companies did not disclose how responsibility for engineering, manufacturing, civil works and installation will be divided.

Coordination between the pontoon supplier, construction partner and port authority will be central to integrating the structures with existing quayside facilities. Site conditions, mooring arrangements, access points and water level changes can all influence the final installation of floating port infrastructure.