Update: 04.09.2023
Gabon reopened its borders on Saturday after closing them on Wednesday, 30 August. According to carriers, ship operations have resumed in Libreville under revised hours.
Although military leaders initially stated their intention to dissolve all state-owned institutions last week, sources report that officials have now allowed these to continue.
"Gabon's deputy maritime administrator, Ibrahim Okanga Soun, told Lloyd's List that the military officials, who have declared themselves as members of the Committee of Transition and the Restoration of Institutions, have indicated that "all administrations should now continue their activities". However, it seems that order is taking some time to translate into action and, as of Friday morning, port operations have not yet resumed," reported Lloyd's List on Friday 1 September.
With the activities allowed to reconvene over the weekend, carriers have noted delays in communication with the relevant authorities. This is the case with the MSC Jordan, which, according to Kuehne+Nagel data, is currently the only vessel waiting outside Libreville. MSC advised it is awaiting permission for the ship to berth at the port. The published arrival time is tomorrow, 5 September.
When the borders were closed last week, ships were diverted, omitting their port calls in Libreville.
However, Hapag-Lloyd's Dallas Express was at the time in port. It was forced to leave without completing its vessel operations and ordered to wait at anchor. According to the carrier's website, it is expected in Kribi, Cameroon today. Kuehne+Nagel tracking data shows it anchored outside Cameroon, awaiting a berth or further instruction.
The Maersk Valparaiso, which was at anchor with the Dallas Express last week but has now skipped its Libreville call and is currently in port at Pointe Noire, Congo.
Original article: 31.08.2023
At least four cargo ships are stranded at Gabon ports after a military coup closed the country's borders on Wednesday, 30 August. Military leaders have communicated their intention to dissolve all state-owned institutions, bringing much uncertainty for shipping and flag operations, reports Lloyd's List.
"The 4,890 teu Hapag-Lloyd-owned box ship Dallas Express (IMO: 9193288) berthed at Owendo [Libreville] on 28 August but was unable to complete operations and has been sent to anchorage and has been ordered to remain there until further notice," reports Lloyd's List.
"A spokesperson for Hapag-Lloyd confirmed that the vessel could not sail and the company was waiting for further information from the Gabon authorities."
According to Kuehne+Nagel's seaexplorer, the Maersk Valparaiso was expected to call Libreville this week. It is currently at anchorage alongside the Dallas Express. The carrier has not yet advised plans for the vessel, but it can be presumed that Maersk is awaiting further instruction from the Gabon authorities.
Furthermore, ships began to divert from Gabon on Wednesday, including CMA CGM's 4,255 TEU Spirit Of Hong Kong. The vessel was meant to call Libreville ahead of Kribi, Cameroon this week. It is currently sailing directly to Kribi and will arrive on schedule.
While it is uncertain how the coup will affect cargo moving in and out of Gabon, Lloyd's List expects the impact on global trade to be minimal. Data from the news outlet shows only 35-55 sailings of all types of vessels to foreign markets each month.
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