Logistics services in Comoros.

Comoros logistics overview: modes, trade and gateways

Logistics services in Comoros rely on seaports and scheduled air links. As an island country with about 340 km of coastline, most international cargo moves through its 4 ports at Dzaoudzi, Fomboni, Moroni and Moutsamoudu.

All listed ports are classed as very small, with cargo pier depths from about 3.4 m to 15.5 m, which shapes vessel size and loading options. Ocean freight connects through the international liner network reflected in its liner shipping connectivity index of 4.94 in 2021. Air cargo uses Ouani Airport (AJN) and Prince Said Ibrahim International Airport (HAH) for higher value or urgent shipments.

Freight forwarders in Comoros need to work around small port infrastructure and moderate logistics performance. The country handled about 54,400 TEU in 2019, ranking 138 of 168 worldwide, so shippers should look for agents experienced in consolidating loads and planning for feeder services.

The logistics performance index was 2.56 in 2018, with customs at 2.62 and infrastructure at 2.25, slightly below the world median on several components. When choosing a freight forwarder in Comoros, check their track record with main trade partners such as Indonesia, India, Turkey, UAE and China, and their ability to route cargo via lines like CMA CGM that have offices in Moroni and Mutsamudu. Membership in COMESA and the AU makes regional know-how valuable for cross-border arrangements.

FCL and LCL shipping from and to Comoros moves through four very small seaports: Moroni, Moutsamoudu, Fomboni and Dzaoudzi. Cargo pier depths range from about 3.4 m at Moroni to about 15.5 m at Fomboni. Container throughput was about 54,400 TEU in 2019, placing Comoros 138 of 168 countries worldwide and 28 of 33 in Sub-Saharan Africa.

The liner shipping connectivity index stood at 4.94 in 2021, ranking 147 of 169 globally, which indicates reliance on regional feeder services rather than frequent mainline calls. CMA CGM maintains offices in Moroni and Mutsamudu, giving shippers a direct line to schedule FCL and LCL services. There are no observed all-in FCL or LCL rate examples in the data.

Air freight in Comoros uses two airports with scheduled service: Ouani Airport (AJN) and Prince Said Ibrahim International Airport (HAH). Total airports number three. Historical air freight volume was about 0.1 million tonne-km in 1985, with a world rank of 140 of 184.

Air can complement sea shipments for higher value exports like essential oils and vanilla, or for time-sensitive imports such as specific machinery and components. Given small seaport capacity, forwarders may route urgent or lightweight cargo by air to align with trade flows from partners including France, UAE and India.

Rail and road freight in Comoros are not significant modes for international access compared with sea and air. The port listings for Fomboni, Dzaoudzi, Moutsamoudu and Moroni all note no rail connections.

International movements depend on maritime links rather than overland corridors, as the country has no land borders. Domestic trucking is used to move cargo between ports, airports and inland locations on the islands.

Customs clearance in Comoros operates within the framework of its World Customs Organization membership, which dates from 1993-07-01. The average applied tariff was about 4.34 percent in 2021. Comoros is not a WTO member and participates in regional blocs COMESA and AU, which can affect preferences for some trade lanes.

On the logistics performance index in 2018, the customs score was 2.62 versus a world median of 2.6. Overall LPI was 2.56 against a world median of 2.7, and tracking/tracing at 2.93 compared with 2.8. For documentation, shippers should plan around the standard commercial invoice, packing list and transport document when coordinating with their broker or forwarder for Comoros.