Jul 07 - Eastern Anchorage To Be Made More Competitive With New Shipping Fees
The Minister for the Port, Neil Costa, has welcomed the introduction of new port fee discounts. He said these incentives will further enhance the competitiveness of the Port of Gibraltar.
Mr Costa declared that the new port regulations which came into effect on Thursday, include a 75% reduction on tonnage dues for vessels calling at the eastern anchorage for the purpose of obtaining provisions, stores, spares and crew changes. This accompanies a proposed 75% reduction, (previously 50%), on the completion of bunkers within the time legislated. By applying this new fee structure, the Minister for the Port and the Gibraltar Port Authority are confident that the eastern maritime zone will become far more attractive both as a waiting area for vessels calling at Gibraltar for bunkers and for other vessels wishing to avail themselves of agency support and ship husbandry services.
Mr Costa said the measure will be positive for business as husbandry services generate activity and turnover for the local shipping industry and will also result in a complete overhaul of the way in which the eastern anchorage is currently used in order to maximise benefits for the maritime sector in Gibraltar.
Minister Costa also referred to the previous implementation of the new tariffs for the “Off Port Limits A” which was introduced in November 2013 in response to the representations of the Gibraltar Port Operators Association. Mr Costa also noted the recently implemented measures that enable more bunker barges to operate in the bay as a result of the release of two bunkering slots. This new policy not only allows operators to supply more vessels but also reduces even further any waiting time for bunkers.
The Minister added: “The Gibraltar Government is fully aware of the importance of the Port of Gibraltar in the overall performance of our economy. With this in mind, we are always looking at ways of improving the service we give to clients. It is my firm view that this new reduction in port fees will add to the attraction of our port and the wide range of professional services that we already deliver as the leading port in the Mediterranean.”
