Capelle a/d Ijssel, February 6th 2026
Dear valued Customer,
Via this way we would like to inform you about a new carbon regulation introduced by the Government of Gabon that affects shipping activities calling at Gabonese ports.
What is it?
Gabon has launched a Sovereign Carbon Registry for the maritime sector.
Who is affected?
Any commercial vessel calling at a Gabonese port (arrival or departure) is concerned, with some limited exemptions for very small vessels and specific categories (e.g. military vessels).
What is required?
For each vessel movement:
• The shipping agent must report basic voyage details (origin, destination, vessel data).
• 50% of the voyage emissions are allocated to Gabon.
• The regulation gives you the option to choose method of calculation (Distance or Fuel consumption method) for the inbound voyage and only distance method for Outbound voyages.
What is the financial obligation?
Maritime operators must mitigate the emissions allocated to Gabon by paying a Carbon Contribution:
• Rate: approx. USD 17 per tonne of CO₂e
• The total contribution is capped at USD 15,000 per vessel
• An invoice is issued by the Gabon Sovereign Carbon Registry after reporting
Pricing impact
In line with the implementation of Gabon’s carbon regulation, a Gabon ETS Surcharge will be applied to vessel calls at Gabonese ports. To cover these additional compliance costs, we will be introducing a Gabon ETS Surcharge on all shipments.
The surcharge for 2026 will be as follows:
| Trade | Europe | USA |
| FCL | € 42,50 per TEU | $ 50,00 per TEU |
| BB | € 13,00 w/m | $ 15,00 w/m |
The surcharges will be applicable as from March 1st 2026 until further notice and will be applicable on all trade-lanes to and from Gabonese ports.
We appreciate your understanding. Should you require any further clarification, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Sincerely,
Roy van Brummen
EU Line Manager