Bunkering - Introduction

Gibraltar is the one of the largest bunkering ports in the Mediterranean and its bunkering companies continue to go from strength to strength.

4.7 million tonnes of bunkers were delivered in 2009 compared with just 0.84 million tonnes in 1990 and bunkering is now the main activity within the Port of Gibraltar.

Of a total of 10,000 deep-sea vessels which called at Gibraltar in 2009, 6,708 were supplied with bunkers.

Advantages

Gibraltar's many advantages include:

• Competitive market because of high turnover
• Minimum costs because of unique tax-free status within European Union
• Low port dues
• Located near main shipping lanes
• Market continuously monitored by the government to ensure competitiveness.

Services

Gibraltar's bunkering companies can supply all grades of marine fuel from 30 cSt to 380 cSt and there are constant quality checks by each company.

Bunkers are normally delivered by barge while the vessel is at anchor in Gibraltar Bay – but they can also be delivered at berth in the harbour.

Safety and environmental concerns are given top priority by the government, which applies strict regulations. The Bunkering Code of Practice was revised in January 2011 and the Bunkering Superintendent continues to police all operations in the Port. Gibraltar is also an Associate Member of Oil Spill Response Ltd of Southampton.