Gibraltar’s bunkering sector saw increased activity in August, with vessel calls for fuel rising both year-on-year and month-on-month, according to data released by the Gibraltar Port Authority and reported by Ship & Bunker.
August Figures Show Steady Growth
The port recorded 476 bunker calls in August, according to Ship & Bunker’s report on the Gibraltar Port Authority data. This marks an increase from 449 calls in the same month last year and represents growth from July’s total of 464 calls.
Looking at the broader trend for the year, Ship & Bunker reports that the average monthly call count for the first eight months of this year reached 544, up from an average of 492 during the same period last year.
Tonnage and Pricing Trends
Gross tonnage calling at the western side of Gibraltar, the designated bunkering zone, also increased. According to the report, tonnage reached 19.95 million GT in August, up from 19.63 million GT in July and 19.15 million GT recorded in August of the previous year.
On the pricing side, Ship & Bunker’s own price data shows Gibraltar’s VLSFO averaged $691.5 per metric ton in August. This represents an increase from $664.5/mt in July and a substantial rise from the $515.5/mt recorded a year earlier.
Does This Matter to You?
The sustained rise in bunker calls and tonnage at Gibraltar, as reported by Ship & Bunker, points to continued demand for fuel supply services at this strategically located Mediterranean bunkering hub. Vessel operators and charterers routing through the Strait of Gibraltar may find this data useful when assessing fuel availability and port activity trends along this corridor.
For bunker traders and fuel buyers, the year-on-year VLSFO price increase noted in the report reflects broader market movements that could inform procurement planning. Port authorities and maritime risk monitors tracking regional bunkering capacity may also find the tonnage growth figures relevant to understanding overall traffic patterns through this key waypoint.
The source material does not provide further detail on the specific drivers behind the increased activity, so any deeper market implications beyond the reported figures remain unclear.
Gulf Bunkering does not provide operational or security guidance. This article is for informational purposes only. Operators should consult flag state authorities, P&I clubs, and relevant advisories for decisions relating to transit planning.
Sources: Ship & Bunker (data credited to Gibraltar Port Authority)
