Industry Insight: Ship & Bunker Talks Bunkering with Gibraltar's New CEO and Captain Bob Sanguinetti

The Port of Gibraltar is looking to build on recent improvements to its bunkering operations and reinforce its position as one of the world's top maritime destinations, says the Port's new CEO and Captain Bob Sanguinetti who recently talked to Ship & Bunker about its latest developments.

"We're looking to streamline bunkering procedures even further to retain our position at the crossroads to so many shipping lanes," he said.

In the past, the lack of available space for bunkering at the port has led to congestion, but Sanguinetti says the Gibraltar Port Authority (GPA) has worked to improve the situation.

"The number of ships arriving for bunkers without delays continues to rise, and we're actively looking at ways of improving this further." he said.

"Gone are the days of endless ships waiting for bunkering."

One change has been the departure of floating storage tankers, opening up 20 percent of the slots for bunkering operations, and Sanguinetti says further improvements can be expected in the future.

"We're not blessed with a lot of open space, so we've got to make the most of what there is," he said.

"Bunkering is fundamental to our business, so it's being talked about and we will continue to make space.

"I would not want to speculate on a time scale for that, but it's certainly high up on the list of priorities and the government is currently considering a range of proposals."

New Tariffs

The port has also revised its tariff on both sides of the rock to encourage not only bunkering, but also wider port operations.

"On the West side of the rock, if bunkering is completed in the required timescale the discount goes from 50 percent to 75 percent," said Sanguinetti.

"In the East there is no bunkering but it's an ideal place for other activities like replenishing stores, crew changes and so on. There, we now have a 75 percent reduction for a 48 hour period for services other than bunkers."

"It's all aimed at improving the efficiency of the port without compromising safety at all. And we're very proud of our safety record."

Sanguinetti, who was appointed CEO and Captain of the Port at GPA in May, was originally from Gibraltar but spent most of his life away in the UK and at sea with the Royal Navy.

"Being able to give something back to Gibraltar is great and a privilege. Coming back after being away for 30 years, I'm struck by the dynamism and vibrancy of the port and the reputation and status it enjoys across the community. It's something we strive to retain," he said.

With the port so central to many people's lives, Sanguinetti says it makes Gibraltar a unique destination not just for bunkering, but for a full range of maritime services.

"One of Gibraltar's biggest strengths is the politics and culture where everyone lives and works so close together. It makes Gibraltar a comprehensive one stop shop hub for the marine industry, not just coming in for bunkers, but coming in for all things.

"We're very confident at what we can deliver, but always looking at ways to increase efficiency."

Quality

"When it comes to bunkering, it's worth reinforcing our reputation for good quality control and the governance provided by the two superintendents who oversee bunker operations in the harbour. It's no surprise we see others emulating our approach," said Sanguinetti.

Bob Sanguinetti, CEO and Captain, Port of Gibraltar

"We're not complacent though, and in the two months I've been here I've been looking at how we retain and improve that, and I feel very, very well supported by a government committed to the prosperity of the port."

As part of the investments in infrastructure over the last 2 to 3 years, the port has now doubled its number of Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) operators and has an IT based system that links ships' agents, pilots, and the VTS in real time, thereby further increasing efficiency.

"Overall it's a much smoother operation in the harbour," he says.

In the longer term, it is also relocating the VTS to a more prominent position on the southern end of the rock.

The GPA is continuing to invest in environmental aspects of its operation too and has recently modernised its emergency response equipment.

The port is also an active member of the Green Award and offers discounts that are accredited by the scheme.

Over the last year there has been increasing tensions between Gibraltar and neighbours Spain, who at one point last year threatened to outlaw bunkering in waters surrounding Gibraltar.

The UK Foreign Office recently summoned Spanish Ambassador Federico Trillo to address the latest "provocative" activities by a Spanish naval vessel in Gibraltar waters, but Sanguinetti says the situation has had no impact on bunkering or the wider port operations.

"It's business as usual, and we're very keen to keep it so," he says.