• (Ecofin Agency) - Gabon unveils Elobey VI for Libreville–Port-Gentil route
• Vessel supports river, maritime logistics strategy
• Route vital amid limited, poorly paved road network

Gabon's Transport Ministry has unveiled Elobey VI, a new vessel that will run regular services between Libreville and Port-Gentil. The government acquired the ship under a charter agreement with shipping company SOTRAMAT to transport passengers and freight between the country’s two main cities.

The vessel is part of a broader government strategy to strengthen river and maritime logistics. Its deployment follows the Jan. 21, 2026 signing of a concession agreement for the construction of a maritime terminal in Libreville.

River and maritime transport remain central to domestic mobility in Gabon, particularly on the Libreville–Port-Gentil route, due to weaknesses in the road network. The country has about 10,380 km of roads, excluding urban roads, of which only 1,800 km are paved. Much of the territory is fragmented by forests and waterways, limiting road connectivity.

Under its strategic programme, the government also plans to revive the National Company for Inland and International Navigation (CNNII), which has faced operational difficulties and periodic service disruptions.

Henoc Dossa