In Libreville, Gabon, a significant milestone was reached on Friday, April 10, 2026, as the Minister of Sea, Fisheries, and Blue Economy, Aimé Martial Massamba, officiated the sea trials of a prototype fishery surveillance vessel known as the EHD BOMBA 750. The ceremony was held at the Centre d’appui à la pêche artisanale de Libreville (CAPAL) and was attended by the Minister of State for Transport, Merchant Marine, and Logistics, Ulrich Manfoumbi Manfoumbi, along with the representative of Sen Marvisa, Adnan Farhat.
Massamba emphasized the strategic importance of this acquisition, which reflects the government’s commitment to bolstering maritime sovereignty. “This is a strong step towards protecting our fishery resources, “he stated. The vessel is the result of a partnership between the Ministry of Blue Economy and Sen Marvisa, and its primary objective is to intensify the fight against illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing and other maritime threats.
Measuring 7.5 meters in length and weighing 1,750 kg, the EHD BOMBA 750 is constructed from high-density polyethylene (PEHD) recyclable material. Its 300-horsepower engine allows it to reach speeds of 40 knots and has a 15-hour autonomy, ensuring swift intervention. The minister also called for rigorous use of the vessel by the Fisheries Brigade and announced the imminent acquisition of four additional units to enhance maritime surveillance capabilities.
The launch of the EHD BOMBA 750 comes at a time when Gabon is focusing on its blue economy, as evidenced by other recent developments. For instance, the Nyanga Municipality has adopted a budget of over 800 million FCFA for 2026, while in Franceville, Haut-Ogooué, the mayor has installed new general supervisors for municipal markets. Moreover, the campaign for the identification of taxis is underway, and the construction of the fire brigade station in Mouila, Ngounié, has been halted.
The country’s cultural scene is also active, with the 18th edition of the FEMUA festival featuring Pierre-Claver Akendengué, scheduled for April 29 in Abidjan. Lastly, the public service sector is streamlining administrative procedures with a single counter to expedite regularization.
Source: Agpgabon
Original author: Redaction
