The Rock of Gibraltar from the sea to the south

Gibraltar, 36°08′N 5°21′W

Bunker Supplier in Gibraltar

Bunkering at Gibraltar is normally by barge to ships at anchor in the bay, and also alongside on request. The ECA line starts before the port, so the limit is 0.10%.

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Photo: Joe Vinent, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Sulphur
0.10% (western end of the ECA)
Delivery
By barge at anchor in the bay, also alongside
Authority
Gibraltar Port Authority
Products
Fuel oil, MGO, marine lubricants

Bunkering in Gibraltar

The Gibraltar Port Authority describes the port as the largest bunkering port in the Mediterranean and says all grades from 30 cSt to 380 cSt can be supplied. The strait is the only natural passage between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, so the bay is busy, with Algeciras on its other shore.

What sets the port apart is its licence conditions. Bunker operators work under a Port Operator Licence, and Issue 009 of June 2026 sets detailed requirements from barge to office. Bunkering was suspended for a time during a spill response in August 2023, so a fallback plan is worth having.

Two bulk carriers anchored side by side in the Bay of Gibraltar, with the Rock behind
Two bulk carriers anchored side by side in the Bay of Gibraltar, with the Rock behind Photo: Christian Gebhardt, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Bunkering Process in Gibraltar

  1. Direction and Stock

    For a ship from the Atlantic the ECA line runs between Cape Trafalgar and Cape Spartel, ahead of Gibraltar. An eastbound ship plans its 0.10% stock accordingly.

  2. VTS Notice

    Gibraltar VTS runs 24 hours and ships give pre-arrival notice. Your agent gives the exact timing.

  3. Barge Delivery

    Barges come from licensed operators and vessels approved by the Port Authority. Bunkering Superintendents may inspect any bunker vessel in Gibraltar waters without notice.

  4. Documents

    The Authority asks licence holders to set out plans for electronic BDNs and mass flow meters. On the ship side, the BDN is kept for three years and the sample for at least 12 months.

Bunkering Requirements in Gibraltar

Rules change. Confirm current practice with the port agent.

  • Supplier Licensing

    Conditions Issue 009 of June 2026 require an operational office in Gibraltar, a technical superintendent and a written undertaking to the Bunkering Code of Practice.

  • Barge Conditions

    Barges must be under 20 years old (exceptions need separate approval), with twin engines, a bow thruster, remote emergency shutdown, fixed sampling equipment and two 50-metre lengths of boom. Tanks are filled to 95% at most.

  • Open-Loop Scrubbers

    UK P&I's 2019 country guide lists open loop as banned at Gibraltar. The list is old, so ask your agent about current practice.

World ECA map: 0.10% sulphur areas

Products and Quotes for Gibraltar

We quote for fuel oil (including VLSFO), gas oil (MGO) and marine lubricants. For details see Fuel Oil and Gas Oil and Marine Oils.

Gibraltar Bunker Supply: Common Questions

How is fuel delivered at Gibraltar?

According to the Port Authority, normally by barge at anchor in the bay, and also alongside.

Which grades are available at Gibraltar?

The Port Authority says all grades from 30 cSt to 380 cSt can be supplied.

Is Gibraltar under EU rules?

Gibraltar is outside the EU. The ECA rule still applies at 0.10%. For FuelEU, the ship's previous and next ports are considered separately.

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This page is general information, not legal advice. Last checked: 4 November 2026.