The port is experiencing strong congestion, with 14 vessels waiting for bunkers today, a trader told ENGINE. 

PHOTO: Cruise ship in the Port of Gibraltar. Getty Images

The backlog is mostly a result of rough weather conditions, the trader said. 

On Friday, all inbound vessel traffic and outer port limit (OPL) operations were suspended due to high winds, according to a spokesperson from the Gibraltar Port Authority. Port operations resumed later on the same day with eight vessels waiting to enter the port, a source said.

Bunker availability is normal across all grades in Gibraltar, a trader said. Lead times of 3-4 days are advised for deliveries.  

Meanwhile, the services of the sole bunker barge in Ceuta were suspended yesterday amid rough weather conditions. The barge has resumed operations today, said shipping agent Jose Salama & Co. 

Bunkering is currently proceeding smoothly in Ceuta port amid slightly cloudy weather. Eight vessels are due to arrive for bunkers in Ceuta today, unchanged from yesterday, the shipping agent said. 

By Manjula Nair

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