Gibraltar Strait bunker operations disrupted by poor weather

Adverse weather conditions have severely affected bunkering in Algeciras and Ceuta, according to MH Bland.

IMAGE: Oil products tanker moored at the Port of Gibraltar. Getty Images

Bunkering has been suspended in the OPL (Outer Port Limits) and Delta areas of the Spanish port of Algeciras due to wind gusts of 36 knots, the port agent said. The port's Inner Anchorage area continues to supply bunkers, but is experiencing congestion. Suppliers are facing delays of up to 24 hours, which has further contributed to the congestion.

Across the strait, operations in Ceuta have also been suspended due to adverse wind and sea conditions. However, ex-pipe bunkering continues, the port agent added.

According to shipping agent Jose, Salama & Co, the port was scheduled to receive eight vessels for bunkering today.

In Gibraltar, bunker operations have not been suspended due to its more shielded location from winds that move westward. But the port is congested with seven vessels waiting to bunker this morning, and one supplier has pressure on its barge availability with two vessels waiting to get bunkered. The congestion is also a result of a lack of space for vessels in the port.

By Samantha Shaji

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