All inbound vessel traffic has been suspended in Gibraltar until further notice due to rough weather, according to port agent MH Bland.

PHOTO: View from the Rock of Gibraltar. Getty Images 

The suspension has been in force since earlier this morning. Strong wind gusts of around 25 knots are forecast in Gibraltar today.

Congestion is reported in the port today with nine vessels waiting for bunkers, MH Bland said. 

Vessels already present at the western anchorage have been allowed to finish their bunker operations but must depart after completion, MH Bland said, adding that operations in the Outer Port Limits (OPLs) have been suspended. 

Across the strait, bunkering operations have remained partially suspended in Algeciras since Monday, according to MH Bland. Bunkering operations have been suspended at the Delta anchorage and the OPL areas but are allowed at the inner anchorage. A supplier is reporting delays of 4-8 hours. 

In nearby Ceuta, bunker operations have once again been suspended since Tuesday evening due to rough weather, MH Bland said.

Bunker operations both in port and at anchorage have been suspended today, shipping agent Jose Salama & Co. told ENGINE.

Adverse weather triggered a bunkering suspension in Ceuta on Monday, with the port's sole bunker barge SPABunker Cuarenta halting operations, Jose Salama & Co. said. Operations had briefly resumed on Tuesday morning.

By Manjula Nair

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