PoRt oF GiBRaLtaR FoReWoRd
FoReWoRd BY the ministeR FoR shiPPinG I AM PLEASED to welcome you to this latest edition of the Gibraltar Port Handbook.
Bunkering Superintendent, whose job it is to ensure all bunkering companies follow a strict code of practice.
Once again this year, I am proud to report that the Port of Gibraltar continues to demonstrate remarkably healthy growth in all sectors and I am confident that this success will continue. Shipping is an important sector of Gibraltar’s economy. I am therefore committed to ensuring that Gibraltar’s maritime activities continue to achieve a level of excellence that is recognised internationally.
Another important area of business for the Port is the handling of cruise ships and their passengers. This year, the Government will embark on a project to enhance the excellent range of facilities provided at the Cruise Terminal and associated berths. This project will allow us to accommodate the larger vessels that continue to be built for the ever-increasing cruising industry.
It is well known that the world economy has gone through a difficult period in the last two years. However, I am pleased that Gibraltar has fared well during this time and has barely suffered the effects of the economic downturn. Proof of this is that we have set new records in cruise calls, passenger numbers, vessels requiring marine services and bunker volumes.
Gibraltar’s ship support services include drydocking, chandlery, crew changes, charts, hull cleaning and underwater surveys, making it the ideal ‘one-stop shop’ for maritime services. Two other fields within this sector in which we are highly regarded by the industry are our top quality Ship Register, run by the Gibraltar Maritime Administration, and our reputation as an ideal jurisdiction for ship arrests, which are handled with speed and efficiency by our legal system.
One of our biggest priorities is to ensure the safety of all vessels that use the Port. To this end, the Government has made a significant investment in upgrading our Vessel Traffic Management System. This new system provides more effective management of the safety of navigation, and allows the Port to make more use of its Eastern Anchorage, thus expanding the range of services that the local shipping business community can offer its clients. Gibraltar provides a comprehensive range of services to the maritime sector. We are the most successful bunkering port in the Western Mediterranean and our operating standards are among the highest in the business. These standards are constantly monitored by a
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I am confident that Gibraltar will continue to grow and prosper in the shipping world, and I look forward to welcoming you to the Port of Gibraltar, so that you may experience the excellent range of services we have to offer.
The Hon J.J. Holliday, MP Minister for Shipping Chairman, Gibraltar Port Authority