Bunkering operations are the backbone of maritime logistics, and this is more evident in the Bay of Gibraltar than everywhere else. As global shipping pivots towards efficiency and sustainability, Algeciras has emerged as the leading bunkering port in Spain and a benchmark for the entire Strait of Gibraltar region.
Strategic Advantages of Bunkering in Algeciras
Algeciras is right at the meeting point of the Mediterranean and Atlantic, only 14 km from Africa. Every year, over 115,000 ships pass through the Strait of Gibraltar, making it a key stop for refuelling. The Bay has over 1,300 hectares of calm water that’s deep enough for secure refuelling, whether the ships are anchored or moored. It is the go-to place in Spain as it handles more than 3 million tonnes of fuel each year, with some recent years hitting around 3.8 million tonnes. This puts it on the same level as Gibraltar when it comes to volume and how smoothly operations run.
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Modern, Sustainable, and Efficient Bunkering Operations
Algeciras offers a comprehensive range of marine fuels, including all traditional grades as well as cutting-edge LNG bunkering services that support the maritime industry’s shift toward decarbonisation. The port uses modern double-hulled barges with advanced environmental controls to keep the water safe. Additionally, the port authority has embraced digital transformation by implementing smart data analytics and tracking systems that make the bunkering process smoother. Demonstrating its commitment to environmental responsibility, Algeciras leads Spain in waste oil collection under the MARPOL convention, providing top-tier environmental compliance at competitive costs.
Flexible Bunkering Options
Algeciras offers flexible bunkering options with four different anchorage zones: Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, and Delta. Shipowners can choose the location that best suits their needs. The Delta area is dedicated exclusively to bunkering, which helps reduce congestion and avoids extra pilotage costs (fees charged for using a harbour pilot to guide vessels) making it an attractive choice for smooth and cost-effective operations. Additionally, services such as underwater work and the supply of lubricants or other stores can be arranged simultaneously with bunkering, helping to speed up vessel turnaround times. For shorter vessels, bunkering can also be carried out by barges or trucks while docked, ensuring efficient handling of all ship types.
The Alpha, Bravo, and Charlie anchorages in Algeciras are mainly for ships coming in for services like supplies, repairs, or other needs, not just fuelling. If a ship needs those services, it should head to one of these three areas. The Delta anchorage is exclusively for fuelling to help reduce congestion and keep things moving smoothly.
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A Competitive Supplier Market
Algeciras benefits from the presence of leading global bunker suppliers such as CEPSA, Repsol, and Peninsula. This ensures there’s a reliable fuel supply, transparent pricing, and good compliance with international standards. The port is also emerging as a major LNG bunkering hub in the Western Mediterranean, offering regular LNG supply services and flexible booking options for both liner and tramp shipping, further supporting the industry’s transition to cleaner marine fuels.
MH Bland: Your Trusted Partner for Bunkering Algeciras
With over 200 years of maritime expertise, MH Bland brings unmatched local knowledge and hands-on experience to every operation, ensuring seamless coordination between all stakeholders, from port authorities to barge operators and ship crews. The company’s 24/7 operational coverage guarantees round-the-clock support, real-time updates and rapid response for every bunkering call, minimising turnaround times and maximising efficiency.
MH Bland’s services extend far beyond bunkering. As a comprehensive ship agency, they handle crew changes, technical support, underwater operations, and logistics, all meticulously coordinated to keep your vessel on schedule. Their longstanding relationships with major fuel suppliers and port authorities also enable MH Bland to consistently secure the best outcomes for your operations, making them a trusted partner for vessels calling at Algeciras and Gibraltar.
With the Bay of Gibraltar being at the forefront of bunkering operations, both the Ports of Gibraltar and Algeciras offer principles an excellent choice to carry out bunkering operations with MH Bland as their ideal agents in both ports. Whether you’re looking to streamline operations, ensure compliance, or embrace cleaner fuels, contact MH Bland today to schedule your next bunkering operation. Explore our full suite of maritime services here designed to keep your fleet moving efficiently through the Strait of Gibraltar.