Key Port Facts
Gibraltar Port Authority
Fuel Grades Available at Gibraltar
Seven Ocean procures the following marine fuel grades at Gibraltar. Click any grade for full technical specifications.
Delivery Methods
- Barge at anchorage
Primary Anchorages
Bay of Gibraltar — Eastern and Western anchorages
Port Detail
The Bay of Gibraltar market
Gibraltar and Algeciras share the same body of water but operate under separate jurisdictions. Vessels typically choose one or the other based on pricing, supplier preference, and operational convenience. The two ports compete on price and service rather than on fundamentally different product.
Role in Mediterranean trade
For any vessel transiting Gibraltar Strait, a bunker stop is a routine option because the detour is minimal. This makes the port one of the densest-traffic bunker locations in the world, with deep supplier competition.
Fuels and supply
All standard grades. LSMGO demand is elevated because Mediterranean SOx ECA rules (when applicable) and EU regulatory compliance make low-sulphur fuel a routine request. HSFO serves scrubber vessels.
Operational notes
Winter levanter easterlies can disrupt Eastern anchorage operations; Western anchorage is typically usable in most conditions. Visibility during levante events can be poor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gibraltar or Algeciras cheaper for bunkers?
Pricing varies day-to-day and by supplier. Neither has a systematic price advantage; commercial relationships and specific stem requirements usually drive the choice more than a few dollars per tonne.
Can I take bunkers at Gibraltar while making a port call elsewhere in the region?
The Bay of Gibraltar anchorage is sometimes used by vessels calling Algeciras or passing the Strait, to the extent Gibraltar Port Authority formalities permit. Most vessels clear formally with one jurisdiction.
What is the levanter and how does it affect operations?
The levanter is an easterly wind funnelled through the Strait of Gibraltar. It can bring strong winds, low cloud, and poor visibility for several days at a time, disrupting Eastern anchorage operations. Planning a winter stem should factor in potential delays.