EMEA News
Bunkering, Maritime Leaders in Attendance as Gibraltar Holds Minister's Breakfast at London Shipping Week
Gibraltar Port Authority's (GPA's) this week said in an emailed press release said that the country's Minister for Shipping, Albert Isola, hosted a working breakfast at Gibraltar House in London to coincide with London International Shipping Week 2015.
The breakfast was attended by leaders within the maritime and bunker industry, including Jens Maul Jorgensen, Chairman of the International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA), and Doug Barrow, CEO of Maritime London.
During the breakfast, Isola is said to have provided an update on the progress of Gibraltar's work to make the port more competitive.
"It is hugely helpful to have face to face and open communication with our major suppliers and to work through directly with them how we can improve the Gibraltar proposition, for the benefit of all those who work with and service clients of the Port," stated Isola.
Commodore Bob Sanguinetti, Captain of the Port of Gibraltar, noted to attendees GPA's "determination to facilitate increasing volumes and business for the port and hinted at some of these initiatives."
Two weeks ago, GPA announced a new initiative that, for the remainder of 2015, vessels wishing to remain at anchorage will be eligible for a "highly attractive" fee of £100 ($154.37).
"This builds on the tariffs introduced in summer 2014 which were aimed at vessels remaining at the anchorage for less than 48 hours," said Sanguinetti.
"Having consulted with our local and international partners, we believe that this latest initiative will add to the attraction of Gibraltar as a key maritime hub, particularly for ships requiring an anchorage for longer periods."
In July it was announced that Gibraltar had signed an agreement with Lloyd's Register to lay the groundwork for a new dual-fuel power station and liquefied natural gas (LNG) storage and bunkering facility at North Mole.
