Port of Lomé: New Cargo Theft Controls Implemented at Moles 1 & 2

• The Port of Lomé initiated stricter security controls at Moles 1 and 2 on September 28, 2026.
• These measures include mandatory searches for vehicles and security checks for individuals entering and exiting the conventional quays.
• The new protocols aim to enhance security and prevent cargo theft at the bustling port.
• Refusal to comply with the new security checks will result in denied access to the quays.
• The Port of Lomé handled 2.4 million TEUs in 2025, maintaining its position as a prominent container port in sub-Saharan Africa.

The Port of Lomé has implemented stringent new security protocols at the entrances and exits of Moles 1 and 2, effective Monday, September 28, 2026, targeting people, vehicles, and other wheeled equipment utilizing the conventional quays.

The Port of Lomé has implemented stringent new security protocols at the entrances and exits of Moles 1 and 2, effective Monday, September 28, 2026, targeting people, vehicles, and other wheeled equipment utilizing the conventional quays. These enhanced measures are a direct response to the port management's stated objective of strengthening overall security within these critical areas and actively curbing cargo theft incidents.

Under the new regulations, all vehicles and wheeled equipment are now subject to mandatory searches upon both entry to and exit from Moles 1 and 2. Similarly, individuals seeking access to these conventional quays must undergo thorough security checks. This dual-direction inspection regime ensures comprehensive oversight of all movement within the designated zones. According to an information notice issued on September 22, strict compliance is non-negotiable; any individual or entity refusing to adhere to these security procedures will be denied access to the quays. While the notice clearly outlines the procedural changes, it does not provide specific data regarding the frequency or financial impact of the cargo thefts that prompted these new controls.

The introduction of these intensified security checks at the Port of Lomé comes at a time of significant growth in its operational volume, particularly in container traffic. The port, a vital hub for regional trade, has experienced a notable surge in activity, necessitating robust measures to safeguard its expanding cargo throughput.

According to the 2026 edition of the prestigious Lloyd’s List ranking, the Port of Lomé processed an impressive 2.4 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in 2025. This figure represents a substantial 16% increase from the 2.06 million TEUs handled just one year prior. This upward trajectory in cargo volume underscores the increasing importance of effective cargo theft prevention and Port of Lomé access control. The new rules, therefore, introduce an additional layer of scrutiny for all personnel and vehicles moving through Moles 1 and 2, aiming to mitigate risks associated with this heightened operational pace and secure the flow of goods through Togo's primary maritime gateway.

The Port of Lomé's proactive stance on security, particularly its focus on conventional quays security in Togo, reinforces its position as a critical maritime asset in West Africa. Ranked 91st globally in the 2026 Lloyd's List assessment, the port has consistently maintained its status as a prominent container port in sub-Saharan Africa, a testament to its strategic location and operational capabilities.

These latest security enhancements, including the specific Lomé port Moles 1 2 checks, are designed not only to address immediate concerns like cargo theft but also to uphold the port's reputation for reliability and efficiency. By implementing rigorous security measures for both people and equipment, the Port of Lomé aims to ensure the integrity of its supply chain and provide a secure environment for international trade. This commitment to robust Port of Lomé cargo theft controls is crucial for sustaining its growth trajectory and maintaining its competitive edge in the dynamic regional shipping landscape.

Lawyers advising clients on shipping, logistics, or trade through the Port of Lomé should inform them of these new mandatory security checks to ensure compliance, prevent denied access, and factor potential delays into their operational planning and contractual agreements.

Source: Original reporting via Ayi Renaud Dossavi