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Carbon Contribution for maritime operators in Gabon: what you need to know
In January 2025, the Gabonese Republic introduced a mandatory mechanism for controlling and offsetting greenhouse gas emissions for air and maritime transport operators transiting or operating in Gabonese waters. This initiative, established by Presidential Decree (No. 0054/PR/MECCHF, dated 16 January 2025), reflects Gabon’s commitment to carbon neutrality by 2050 in line with the Paris Agreement. It is based on the polluter pays principle.
The Carbon Contribution obligation for maritime operators has been enforceable since 15 June 2025. AGADEV (Agence Gabonaise pour le Développement de l’Économie Verte) is responsible for implementation and has mandated the Africa Sovereign Carbon Registry (ASCR) to operate the Sovereign Carbon Registry.
Who does this apply to?
Any vessel calling at a Gabonese port, subject to customs clearance obligations and receiving a Port Clearance Certificate, is required to comply with this mechanism.
The following vessels are exempt:
- Vessels under the Gabonese flag
- Vessels with a maximum DWT of less than 2,000 tonnes
- Vessels with a GT of less than 400 tonnes
- Container vessels with a capacity of less than 200 TEU
Who is responsible?
As the legal representative of the vessel for its port obligations, the maritime agent is responsible for ensuring compliance with reporting and mitigation requirements on behalf of the operator, owner or charterer.
In practice, this means that the agent handles both the carbon footprint reporting and the payment of the contribution on behalf of the vessel.
How is the carbon contribution calculated?
The carbon footprint attributed to Gabon is equal to 50% of the total carbon footprint of each voyage between the previous or next port of call and Gabon. This reflects the methodology used in the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS).
Two calculation methods are accepted:
- Actual fuel consumption, as documented in the vessel’s logbook, with the carbon footprint then calculated using emission factors per fuel type (as established by the Smart Freight Centre)
- IMO emission factors based on vessel type, size category and voyage distance in nautical miles (as per the Fourth IMO GHG Study 2020)
Vessel movements and their associated carbon footprint must be reported monthly, no later than one month after the movements took place.
What are the applicable rates?
The Carbon Contribution rate for 2025 is set at FCFA 10,710 per tCO2e (equivalent to approximately USD 17 /tCO2e).
A cap applies to limit the financial burden on commercial maritime operators:
- FCFA 9,450,000 (approximately USD 15,000) per vessel movement, regardless of the type of vessel
- For vessels recognised as tramp vessels by Gabonese maritime and port authorities, defined as vessels not operating on a fixed liner schedule, navigating according to transport opportunities, unlike liner vessels, the cap of FCFA 9,450,000 applies to the combined total of both the inbound and outbound movements, provided the vessel is arriving or departing in ballast.
Specific rates apply to certain vessel categories:
- Military and special vessels: FCFA 315/GT for both movements (inbound and outbound)
- Vessels with an unknown or undisclosed destination: FCFA 158/GT for the relevant movement
What are the payment terms and penalties?
Once the carbon footprint has been reported and validated, the ASCR will issue an electronic invoice to the obligated party. Payment must be made by bank transfer within 45 calendar days of the invoice date.
A late payment penalty of 3‰ per day applies from the 46th day following the invoice date.
Looking ahead
The current mechanism is based exclusively on the Carbon Contribution. A Carbon Compensation mechanism is expected to be introduced at a later date, allowing obligated parties to offset part of their carbon footprint through certified carbon credits. The rules and implementation date will be communicated in due course.
Our Gabon team is available for additional information and assistance.
📩 budd.gabon@budd-pni.com
Key Documents
Registre Carbone Souverain du Gabon pour le Secteur Maritime – Regles
Registre Carbone Souverain du Gabon pour le Secteur Maritime – Regles – English Translation