Weather-related operational disruptions persist at Mediterranean ports

Bunkering operations continue to be delayed or suspended at several ports across the region due to the continuation of rough weather conditions since last week.

IMAGE: Cargo ships in the Port of Las Palmas, Spain. Getty Images

Around 23 vessels were awaiting bunkers in Gibraltar earlier today following the suspension of inbound traffic to the port’s anchorage, according to port agent MH Bland. Services at the western anchorage and the OPL continue but are likely to be suspended if weather conditions deteriorate. Wind gusts of up to 60 knots are forecast for today, rising to as high as 91 knots tomorrow.

In Algeciras, operations at the OPL have not resumed since the weekend. However, the suspension at the port’s inner anchorage has been lifted, although deliveries remain subject to availability of space, the port agent added. The Spanish port is forecast to experience wind gusts of up to 27 knots today and up to 50 knots on Tuesday and Wednesday, the port agent noted.

Weather-related disruptions are expected intermittently at these ports, as well as at Ceuta and off Malta, until 4 February.

Bunkering operations have been suspended at the anchorage in Ceuta due to adverse weather conditions, the port agent noted. However, ex-pipe supplies are operational.

Off Malta, bunkering has resumed in Area 4, though delays are expected, according to MH Bland.

Most operations at the port of Las Palmas have also been suspended, except for those at the inner anchorage or at the berth, MH Bland noted. Current waiting times are 12-24 hours for deliveries at berth and 2-3 days at the inner anchorage.

The port of Huelva has also suspended operations, according to MH Bland.

Operations at the ports of Istanbul and Piraeus could also be disrupted due to bad weather.

By Samantha Shaji

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