Gibraltar Looks to New Land Base Storage Project to "Consolidate its Position as the Premier Bunkering Hub in the Mediterranean"

A call for proposals has been issued for a land fuel storage facility in Gibraltar, intended to enhance the its position as a Mediterranean bunkering hub.

The Gibraltar Port Authority (GPA) Friday announced that Her Majesty's Government of Gibraltar (HMGoG) has invited proposals for the design and construction of a land fuel storage facility in Gibraltar, intended to enhance the its position as a Mediterranean bunkering hub.

"For many years we have talked of the need for land storage facilities and considered many different options. I am pleased that we are now focusing on this possibility and encouraged by the interest we have received to date," said Paul Balban, Minister of the Port.

"I am looking forward to working towards making this facility a reality, safeguarding the Port's reputation for the highest operational standards. Bringing this project to life will help the Port to further consolidate its position as the premier bunkering hub in the Mediterranean, as the shipping world enters a new phase of increasingly stringent environmental protection measures,"

Gibraltar says that land storage will support and enhance the port's activities, noting that the project will see the government focus "extensively" on safety and environmental issues, ensuring the potential facility meets the highest possible standards.

The project is also said to be anticipated as a chance for the government perform a general review of both its port facilities and general land use.

The government is said to be accepting expert advice on proposals received during the early evaluation phase, with proposals invited before April 22, 2016.

In January, the GPA announced that its annual performance review shows that the total number of ships calling at the port for bunkers and the quantity of fuel delivered both grew during 2015.