Bad weather likely to hit bunker operations in Gibraltar Strait ports – MH Bland

Strong wind gusts of up to 34 knots and swells of nearly two meters are forecast to hit the Strait of Gibraltar tomorrow, which could impact bunkering in the ports there.

Photo: View from the Rock of Gibraltar, UK to Algeciras, Spain. Getty Images

Bunkering is currently in progress in Gibraltar, Algeciras and Ceuta. However, rough weather could potentially impact bunkering in these ports tomorrow.

There are currently 11 vessels waiting to bunker in Gibraltar, almost steady with 12 yesterday. The congestion has been largely due to bunker barge delays, port agent MH Bland said. In Ceuta, currently seven vessels awaiting bunkers in Ceuta, up from five yesterday, says shipping agent Jose Salama & Co.  

Rough weather conditions are also forecast on Friday, which could cause more delays and disruptions in Gibraltar Strait ports.

Meanwhile, bunker operations remain partially suspended in Huelva due to strong wind gusts of 40 knots. Rough weather conditions are forecast intermittently till Saturday, which could disrupt bunkering, MH Bland said. Meanwhile, bunker deliveries by barge can still be carried out at the anchorage.

Off Malta, most suppliers are reporting bunkering delays amid rough weather conditions. Currently, only one in six bunkering areas are open for supply, according to MH Bland. Wind gusts of 25 knots are forecast in Malta tomorrow.

By Manjula Nair  

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