Established in Gibraltar as a port agency by Marcus Henry Bland in 1810, MH Bland and Co Ltd has an unrivalled history and tradition in Gibraltar and beyond. In recent years, the company has seen a dynamic expansion of its interests in the Marine and Tourism sectors and there are exciting developments in the pipeline.
No other company in the region offers our high standards or portfolio of in-house expertise and services. MH Bland prides itself on its extended family values and seeks to maintain its presence at the forefront of the markets within which it operates. Scan to visit our website
MH Bland is an engine room of Gibraltar’s continued commercial success and resilience. We take pride in our long-standing history and strive to maintain our commitment to excellence.
Strength in Unity: Experience has taught us that our strength lies in our unity. Unity as a family, unity within our own company and unity developed with our loyal customers over many years of partnership in business.
We value our reputation built over many years of commitment to service to our clients. We are a service provider and we strive to excel at what we do by combining our knowledge, expertise and experience in every sector of the business.
“The MH Bland Group prides itself on the extended family values that influence the way it does business and continually strives to remain at the forefront of the development of the marine and tourism industries in all its activities.“
John A. Gaggero CHAIRMAN
MH Bland Port Agencies are strategically located in Gibraltar, mainland Spain, the Canary Islands, Morocco and Malta to service our clients whenever, wherever and whatever their requirements and preferences may be.
MH Bland Marine Services operates in the port of Gibraltar, harnessing a wide range of assets to deliver a coordinated and timely service. These assets include:
Full spectrum of Stevedoring capabilities.
A bonded warehouse.
A fleet of harbor craft, workboats and lube-oil barges.
A lubricant oil tank farm.
A range of cranes and forklifts. Our team of experts in the field.
Marine Logistics use their experience and knowledge, to provide a seamless logistical service to manage and move goods efficiently.
Hull Cleaning & Repairs offers underwater services to sustain and improve fuel efficiency and vessel safety with minimum disruption to our clients.
The Cable Car was built and is owned and operated by MH Bland. It is a unique tourist attraction on the summit of the Rock which includes the spectacular restaurant and private function venue, the Mons Calpe Suite. The Cable Car climbs 412m to the Top of the Rock in 6 minutes.
The company has embarked on an exciting project to completely rebuild and upgrade the entire Cable Car installation, providing guests with an enhanced visitor experience for the 21st century.
Calypso Tours and Calypso Excursions specialise in creating and delivering an imaginative portfolio of tours in Gibraltar, mainland Spain, Canary Islands, Morocco & Cuba.
MH Bland Travel Services is an IATA bonded travel agency which has provided expert travel advice for business or leisure: for over 40 years.
The Group maintains extensive insurance policies to cover the stringent requirements of the industries it serve.
As service providers we recognise the dual importance of our employees and our extensive assets and equipment. In order to properly care for each, we operate a Quality Management System that plays a central role in ensuring that we train our employees and maintain our equipment to the highest standards required by regulatory authorities and clients. Furthermore, the Quality Management System plays a key role in ensuring that the service we provide to clients is continually improved.
The group operates an ISO: 9001:2015 Quality Management System which is subject to constant monitoring by a full time HSSE & Quality Manager and is audited both internally and externally.
MH Bland & Co Ltd formally commits to complying with all applicable occupational Health and Safety legislation, Environmental legislation, codes of practice and other requirements, and to continually improving its HSSE arrangements and performance by:
Promoting HSSE awareness amongst those working on our behalf.
Adequately assessing work activities by identification of hazards and evaluation of all HSSE risks.
Developing and implementing safe systems of work and introducing effective control measures to protect the health and safety of all who may be affected by our work activities.
Minimising risk to health through the provision and maintenance of suitable plant, buildings, facilities, equipment, personal protective equipment and the provision of safe systems of work.
Providing safe arrangements for the use, handling, storage and transport of articles and substances.
Implementing effective HSSE communication mechanisms. Providing adequate and appropriate supervision, instructions, training and information to enable our employees to perform their duties, including the use of any provided safety equipment and clothing, without risk to their health and safety, or the environment.
Implementing effective arrangements to ensure all employees can access competent Health and Safety advice when needed.
In an effort to become one of Gibraltar’s leading Carbon Neutral Companies, the MH Bland Group, has entered into an initiative with World Kinect Energy Services via Gib Oil to offset the expected carbon emissions produced by all MH Bland Marine Services’ vessels. This demonstrates MH Bland’s continued commitment to decarbonisation and neutralising its environmental impact through the contribution and support of green and sustainable projects.
In our commitment to reaching sustainability, MH Bland is engaging with Travelife, a leading training, management, and certification initiative for tourism companies. Via Travellife, we aim to manage and improve social and environmental impacts by complying with sustainability criteria. We have begun the process with Calypso Tours by participating in the SUSTOUR Project.
This aims to foster the capacities and skills of our tour operators to assist us in improving our sustainable management and performance with the ultimate aim to attain our Travelife Certification. The project requires us to attend and implement training as well as develop our management systems, policies, standards, and solutions.
“The Marine Division of the MH Bland Group consists of a team of consummate professionals working together to meet the individual needs of each client. While our reputation is founded on over 200 years of service to the industry, we are dedicated to continually enhance our quality of service and real-time reporting in a highly competitive industry throughout our ever-expanding Port Agency Network in Gibraltar, mainland Spain, the Canary Islands, France, Morocco and Malta.”
Gaggero DEPUTY CHAIRMAN
Ever conscious of the need to understand and meet our clients’ requirements, MH Bland continues to develop its ‘One Network – One Solution’ concept and has expanded its Port Agency presence at all ports in the Strait of Gibraltar, mainland Spain, the Canary Islands, Morocco, Malta and France.
The advantage of having a physical presence throughout the region is that it allows Principals to effortlessly transfer the delivery of services from one port to another at short notice. MH Bland Port Agency benefits from an extensive IT and communications infrastructure that enables us to maintain contact with our clients, any time, 24/7.
George
At the meeting point of the continents of Europe and Africa, the Mediterranean and the Atlantic Ocean, the Strait of Gibraltar has always been a key area for shipping. MH Bland specialises in providing husbandry services and can co-ordinate client requirements seamlessly between ports. Each port offers a varied range of facilities for bunkering, containers, liquid
MH Bland Port Agency offers a full range of services throughout all ports in both mainland, Spain and the Canary Islands, depending on the specific needs of each client. Our HUB office services all ports where we do not have a physical presence.
We specialise in OPA’s, particularly crew changes and other husbandry
The Canary Islands are a strategic hub at the crossroads between Europe, Africa and the Americas. Our office in Tenerife is especially active for cruise ships visiting the archipelago to complement our office in Las Palmas which is an attractive bunker port.
Malta is a key Mediterranean port for any vessel operating in and around the Med. Malta’s strategic location, together with its natural all-weather port are two of its main assets. Port services include bunkering, ship repair facilities, ship chandlering and other husbandry services on a 24 hour - 365 days a year basis.
As Morocco rapidly develops its infrastructure, MH Bland has extended its Agency Network throughout Morocco. Key ports offer specialised facilities to cater for a range of cargo such as oil, chemical products, gas, phosphoric acid, iron billets, rock phosphate, fertilisers and food stuffs.
MH Bland co-ordinates with all parties to ensure that whatever the requirements, operations will be carried out to the same high standard our clients have come to expect.
Under the concept One Network - One Solution, MH Bland’s Port Agents have created a Global HUB which has expanded its already comprehensive network of ports serviced by the team.
With local knowledge, expertise and excellent relationships within each port the HUB can optimise the movement of your cargo, vessels and crew worldwide.
As a member of the ‘Association of Yacht Support Services’, MH Bland Port Agencies offer a premier service to the most discerning clients.
The Agency department attends to the requirements of luxury cruise liners and super yachts throughout the region. Our team are conscious of the exacting nature of this market.
MH Bland is proud to offer a complete service including shore excursions and turnaround operations.
We plan, implement and manage the movement of goods, wherever, whenever, using our network and knowledge to offer peace of mind.
Professional services in the reception and delivery of spare parts & supplies in the main Spanish ports, Canary Islands, Gibraltar, Morocco and Malta.
STORAGE
Facilities to store spare parts for short and long periods.
Sea freight, air freight, road, express courier: wherever or whenever, we re-expedite by land, sea or air.
CUSTOMS
MH Bland Marine Services is both the principal Stevedoring company as well as the leading provider and operator of supply vessels, workboats, and barges in this busy port. As the port of Gibraltar’s leading marine service provider, we can receive, store and deliver supplies, spare parts and lubricants to vessels in the Bay and Strait of Gibraltar.
The company operates 2 dedicated lubricant supply barges in Gibraltar with a combined capacity of
980,000 litres, together with a fleet of support craft and barges.
MH Bland Marine Services operates its own marine lubricant bulk storage facility with a capacity of 480,000 litres. This permanent strategic stock of lubricants ensures that we deliver on behalf of our principals 24/7. The facility is rated to the highest HSSE code and regulations.
Gibraltar’s status in relation to the European Union makes it an ideal port for transshipment operations of specialist cargoes, including yachts, container handling, RoRo operations, all areas in which the company is active.
The company operates two lubricant supply vessels. Oilfish with a capacity of 480,000 litres and Dragonfish with a capacity of 500,000 litres. Both tankers operate to the highest HSSE standards.
Gibraltar’s strategic location at the entrance to the Mediterranean and its special status in relation to the E.U. make it the ideal point from which to conduct reprovisioning exempt from VAT.
MH Bland Marine Services’ own fleet of harbourcraft tugs and barges together with the company’s team of stevedores offer an integrated range of services that guarantees a reliable service for our clients.
employ a team of experienced
crews and stevedores whose flexible working practices, good communications and competitive prices, combined with Gibraltar’s direct air link with the UK, make it an attractive port for the transfer of crews and spare parts.
In conjunction with the MH Bland Port Agency, we co-ordinate the most complex supply operations for vessels. This ensures a seamless operation and makes us highly competitive while guaranteeing a reliable and complete service for our clients.
Lubricant oil tanker with a capacity of 500,000 litres in 8 segregated tanks plus 22 tons of deck cargo.
Steel tug with 30m2 deck space, 5 tons payload plus 12 passengers.
The Flyfish is a 14m Blyth Catamaran that boasts stability, safety, speed, and reliability. With capacity to deliver up to 7 tons of cargo and carry 12 passengers, the Flyfish is the company’s latest addition to the fleet.
Double hulled barge with a capacity of 480,000 litres of bulk lubricants in 10 segregated tanks plus 30 tons of deck cargo.
Flat top barge with 150m2 deck space plus 121 tons payload. Ideal for use as a spacer between vessels with overhanging lifeboats and supply vessel.
Hull Cleaning & Repairs offers a wide range of underwater services in key locations. Our team is committed to providing the highest quality and professional service on budget and on schedule.
HULL UNDERWATER:
Cleaning of all hull areas, such as: flat bottom, vertical sides, bilge keels, rudder & water inlets using the most suitable brushes for any type of fouling while taking care of special paints & coatings.
PROPELLER POLISHING:
Cleaning and polishing of propeller caps, blades and hubs.
UNDERWATER CUTTING & WELDING:
We offer a full range of services, including bilge keel cutting, double plate welding, zinc-plates welding and cofferdans welding.
UNDERWATER INSPECTIONS:
CCTV & photo & video surveys of all underwater areas.
REPLACEMENTS: Propellers, rudders, echo sounders & domes.
VALVE REPAIR
“The highest quality and professional underwater services”
AVAILABLE marine division ... ONE SOLUTION
24/7
LOCATIONS
GIBRALTAR PORT
U/W works at Western Anchorage. N 36º 08´ 06.8354” S 05º 22´ 09.3944”
ALGECIRAS PORT
U/W works at Alfa & Bravo Anchorage. N 36º 09´ 59.0680” S 05º 24´ 49.1643”
CANARY ISLANDS
TENERIFE PORT
U/W works at Sheltered Anchorage & Berth. N 28º 29´28.6”
S 16º 12´ 51.4”
LAS PALMAS PORT
U/W works at Inner Quay Anchorage & Berth.
N 28º 07´ 30.8”
S 15º 24´ 70.3”
CEUTA PORT
Ceuta Port
U/W works Anchorage.
N 35º 54´ 20.1240”
W 05º 18´ 14.6846”
HUELVA PORT
U/W works Anchorage.
N 37º 05´20.7364” W 06º 51´ 18.4515”
MALTA PORT
U/W works Anchorage WTW & OTW. N 28º 29´28.6” S 16º 12´ 51.4”
PANAMA Balboa Anchorage 195o - 5.4NM Flamenco Island &t Cristobal: only attend at inner anchorage. 8.8779° / -79.50598°
SINGAPORE
AVAILABLE 24/7 CONTACT DETAILS HEAD OFFICE: E: ops@hullcleaningrepairs.com T: +34 683 386 124 (24h) www.hullcleaningrepairs.com
The company has produced an imaginative portfolio of excursions and tours for Gibraltar,mainland Spain, Canary Islands, Malta, Morocco and Cuba.
The range of excursions has been tailored to accommodate the needs of the modern traveller. We aim to exceed our guests’ expectations by providing exceptional guest experiences; be it on tour or while conducting turnaround operations. Calypso Tours is in the unique position of being able to liaise closely with our partners within the
MH Bland Group to deliver a seamless, all-inclusive service whether it be as Port Agents, Travel Agents or as Shore Excursion Agents. Calypso Tours offers a quality product at competitive prices.
The team prides itself on delivering a personalised and exclusive range of shore excursions, as well as pre and post cruise vacation options and transfers specific to our guests’ requirements.
In conjunction with our partners at sites and attractions, we constantly strive to enhance our existing portfolio and to broaden the variety of options available to ensure that we deliver the high standard our guests deserve.
We are always seeking out and creating new excursions as our guests look to experience a destination in a less traditional and more sustainable way.
Gibraltar’s top tourist attraction is owned and operated by MH Bland.
The Cable Car transports passengers 412m to the Top of the Rock in approximately 6 minutes where they experience stunning views, meet the Barbary Macaques and gain a unique
insight into Gibraltar’s fascinating history via our unique and extremely informative Multimedia tour accessed via the QR code provided at the ticket office. Complimentary WiFi is available throughout the Cable Car complex.
If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself
From the terraces of the Top Station you can gaze down over the town below, look North towards Sierra Nevada over the Costa del Sol, look East over the blue Mediterranean Sea and South across the Strait of Gibraltar to the Rif Mountains of North Africa. In short you will view 2 continents, 3 countries and the meeting point of 2 great bodies of water.
The Top Station is the perfect location to relax while enjoying the spectacular vistas with a hot or cold drink and a light snack from the Top of the Rock Café or enjoy a delicious and leisurely meal or cocktail at the Mons Calpe Suite Restaurant and Bar.
We have created a unique range of souvenirs and gifts that can only be found at the Cable Car top station gift shop so that our visitors can take with them a memento of their visit to the Top of the Rock.
The Upper Rock Nature Reserve can be accessed on foot from the Cable Car top station. Located within the reserve are the following attractions: Skywalk, O’Hara’s Battery, St Michael’s Cave, Windsor Suspension Bridge, Great Siege Tunnels, World War II Tunnels, Moorish Castle, together with various footpaths including the Mediterranean Steps, that climb the east face of the Rock.
MH Bland has embarked on an entire rebuild of the Gibraltar Cable Car complex which will result in not only an increase in capacity from 260 to 1150 pax per hour but a dramatic upgrade in the facilities throughout. Our aim is to deliver a modern, environmentally friendly tourist attraction fit for the 21st Century, creating a new landmark project for Gibraltar.
Stunning views overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar, Africa and Spain. Encounter the Barbary Macaques. Superb food in the Cafe & Restaurant. Spectacular Lounge Bar. Unique Gift Shop. A magnificent Wedding venue. Learn about Gibraltar’s history.
We aspire to create a state-of-theart facility which is:
Environmentally friendly and sustainable.
Accessible to all. Educational. Entertaining. Preserves and protects our natural heritage.
Architecturally striking and inspirational.
Located at the Top of the Rock, the Mons Calpe Suite Restaurant & Bar, offers the most magnificent location to share a delicious Brunch, Lunch or Cocktail with family, friends or business associates.
Take your guests to new heights at the Top of the Rock whether it’s a private drinks party, a corporate networking event, a loved one’s birthday party or a romantic wedding. Let the night stars and the spectacular views be the breathtaking backdrop to your event. With the help of this extraordinary location, together we can create a distinctive and memorable experience for any occasion.
A perfect and original venue, the Mons Calpe Suite caters for not just your reception, but the ceremony too. Not to mention the most stunning background for timeless memories in your album.
MH Bland Travel Services caters for all aspects of travel related services. Our philosophy is simple: We offer quality service and value for money.
With over 30 years of experience as the Rock’s most reputable and respected travel agency, we offer expert advice and service, specializing in business travel, cruise and tailor-made holidays and events.
MH Bland Travel Services is an IATA registered travel agency and a member of the ISO 9001-2015 Quality Standard.
Over our 200 year history, MH Bland has become an integral part of the communities where we do business. From our earliest times we have felt the responsibility and duty to support the community whenever we can, whether they be in in small or larger gestures. We have proudly supported many worthy causes, each one making a difference and always doing good in whatever their chosen activity. There are too many to name however we would like to mention just a few notable contributions.
We hope this gives you an insight into some of our charitable activities and helps demonstrate the scope and strength of our commitment to Doing Good.
I can do things you cannot, you can do things I cannot; together we can do great things.
Sir George Gaggero presenting the cheque, on behalf of the people of Gibraltar, for the cost of a spitfire during WWII.
during WWII during the evacuation to Casablanca.
Becoming the 1st Alzheimer’s & Dementia friendly company in Gibraltar
fresh fruit and vegetables during the closed frontier years.
Free tours and transfers for schools and charities.
Special livery on Calpyso Tours buses to raise awareness for charities.
Arranging visits by Disney characters to St Bernard’s hospital and St Martin’s Special School.
Creating short info films for charitable organisations to help create and build awareness.
Visits to the Sisters of Charity home in Tangier.
Clean up the World activities.
Bi-annual
Participation in the 3 Kings Cavalcade, Gibraltar.
Sponsoring the publication of the educational book “What on Earth, Story of Gibraltar” that was awarded a 2019 Heritage Award.
Just 5 years after the Battle of Trafalgar, Marcus Henry Bland arrived in Gibraltar from Liverpool in 1810 where he established a shipping agency. The business grew despite stiff competition and passed to his son Marcus Hill. The company expanded taking advantage of opportunities created by the development of steam engines and greater trade that followed as a result of Gibraltar’s strategic location and Britain’s growing influence.
Marcus Hill died in Liverpool in 1856 and passed on his interest in the company to his sons Horatio and John. The company developed as a ship agent, ship owner and coal merchant and played a pivotal role in the development of the port of Tangier. In 1882, Horatio died and control of the company passed to his brother John. Due to health problems, he had to leave the running of the business to Joseph Gaggero who had joined the team in the 1860’s.
John Bland died without heirs in 1891 and later that year arrangements were put in place to allow Joseph and his brother Emmanuel to purchase the company. A limited company was formed in London, as there was no local company register at the time. On the 23rd December 1891, during the first board meeting of MH Bland & Co Ltd, Joseph Gaggero was appointed Managing Director and his brother Emanuel as Director. Over the next 18 years the two brothers enlarged the company’s fleet of ships from 4 to 12 vessels, trading between North Africa, Spain and the United Kingdom.
In 1911 Joseph died and due to Emanuel’s poor health, the management of the company passed to their youngest brother Avelino. 1914 was a traumatic year for both the company and the family. Trade
If you want to go fast, go alone.
If you want to go far, go together.African Proverb
flourished as a result of France and Spain taking over Moroccan affairs, but war clouds loomed and Avelino’s death on 2nd August 1914 could not have come at a worse moment. A hurried meeting of the board took place and it was decided to appoint 17-year-old George, Joseph’s son, to the position of Managing Director. It was a daunting responsibility for one so young. War broke out on 4th August 1914, 2 days after George’s appointment. His brother Charles joined the company shortly afterwards.
Together, George and Charles steered the company through the Great War, the Great Depression and the tumultuous years of World War II. Despite these difficulties the company developed into salvage, ship repair, timber, an ice-making factory and aviation in addition to its existing shipping interests.
George received a knighthood for his services to Gibraltar in 1941. In 1946, George and Charles decided to divide the business in what was to be the 1st re-organisation of the family’s interests. George retained the shipping and aviation interests and would seek new opportunities in shipping, tourism and aviation in the region and beyond.
Sir George’s sons, Joseph and John subsequently joined the business. In 1962 the innovative project of building a Cable Car to the top of the rock was conceived and developed by John. After opening for business
in 1966, this bold venture was threatened by the closure of the land frontier with Spain in October 1969. Throughout the subsequent period and despite the difficult trading conditions resulting from the closure of the frontier, the company continued to evolve.
Symbolic of the Gibraltarian spirit at the time, the Mons Calpe, a ferry built for the company in 1954, resolutely provided an invaluable maritime link with the outside world via Morocco, especially when Franco decided to close the land border with Spain.
After having brought the company through the closed frontier years, in 1986 Joseph and John decided to divide the business in what became the 2nd reorganization of family interests. Joseph retained the family’s interest in aviation, its travel agencies and its hotel under the name Bland Ltd, whilst John retained the shipping interests and the Cable Car reverting to the original name of MH Bland & Co Ltd.
Under the guidance of John and subsequently his sons Johnnie and George, who took over the running of the business when John retired in 1997, MH Bland has forged ahead. The company has refocused its energy into its core activities in the tourism and maritime sectors and through an ambitious program of investment, Johnnie and George have successfully steered what has become the MH Bland Group of Companies into the 21st century.
