EMEA News
Gibraltar Promises Highest Bunkering Environmental Standards
Speaking in London Monday, Gibraltar's minister for Tourism and the Port, Neil Costa, said the territory is committed to the highest standard of environmental protection and safety in its bunkering and maritime industry, the Gibraltar Chronicle reports.
Costa said the Gibraltar Maritime Administration (GMA) experienced record growth in 2012, with 58 new merchant vessels registered, while the administration ensures that only high-quality vessels fly the Gibraltar flag.
The overall gross tonnage rose almost 50 percent in 2012, and the average age of the fleet is now eight years.
Costa said the GMA is also expanding its online presence and will offer online payments, application forms, and other services over the internet by next year.
"This, and the investment in expanding technical customer service managers throughout the fleet, will ensure that Gibraltar's maritime cluster and appeal to customers of all related disciplines is enhanced further still," he said.
Gibraltar came under fire for its bunkering practices earlier this year as part of a larger dispute with Spain, as the Spanish government declared offshore bunkering at the Port of Gibraltar and environmental threat and threatened to file a lawsuit.
