EMEA News
Gibraltar Points to High Bunkering Standards at IBIA Dinner
Gibraltar officials Thursday highlighted at a gala dinner in the territory that its port's high bunkering standards were leading to success despite a tough economic environment.
"Our track record in bunkering, in terms of volume and quality of service, even in a challenging economic climate, is an indication that we must be doing something right," said Port Minister Paul Balban.
The dinner was held as part of the International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA) Regional Forum in Gibraltar, which Captain of the Port Bob Sanguinetti last week said would "showcase the bunkering industry in Gibraltar."
Balban said the Gibraltar bunker industry is always looking to develop and improve efficiency, pointing to the Gibraltar Government's investments in "resources and manpower."
He added that the close working relationship between the Gibraltar Port Authority (GPA) and the wider port community "makes us quite unique among our competitors."
In addition, GiIbraltar is setting an example for other ports in terms of safety standards, he said.
"When it comes to bunkering, we provide the highest levels of governance and oversight."
"We have developed a very strict code of practice…that we see other ports emulating, an indication of our very high standards."
Recently, IBIA also praised Gibraltar's efforts to improve fuel quality.
Last week, the Gibraltar Government said "the bunkering of liquefied natural gas [LNG] is not only safer than the bunkering of diesel, but is also cleaner," as it considers plans to offer LNG bunkering there.
