Dec 01 - Gibraltar Port Bunkering Expert Seconded To Mauritius
Gibraltar’s Bunkering Superintendent John Ghio has recently been seconded by the Gibraltar Port Authority to act as a consultant for the developing bunker industry in the island nation of Mauritius.
The request to the local authority came from the State Trading Corporation of Mauritius, a government owned entity which regulates all trading activities in the country.
The STCM expressed an interest in contracting Mr Ghio’s services to examine and advise how best to develop the industry and in particular the underlying regulatory framework and operational controls for bunkering in Mauritius.
The Government of Mauritius, through STC have been very keen to develop their excellent relations with Gibraltar, by drawing from the Rock’s experience in this field and applying the excellent regulatory framework and enforcement mechanisms already in place locally, which is widely acknowledged to be at the forefront of regulations in this field.
Minister for the Port, Neil Costa, said: "The Government of Gibraltar were delighted to accept this request, as this initiative once again highlights the reputation and standing of Gibraltar as one of the biggest bunkering ports in the Mediterranean, and recognises the industry leading standards which we have in place."
The secondment will also serve to enhance the knowledge and experience of the Gibraltar Port Authority, as it will provide Mr Ghio an opportunity to study the bunker industry in a different context, as an external observer in a friendly country, and analysing the challenges faced by this industry and in particular the regulators of this industry in other locations.
As part of the fact-finding visit, Mr Ghio held meetings with the Honourable Cader Sayed-Hossen, Minister of Industry Commerce and Consumer Protection, the Mauritius Port Authority, The Ministry for the Environment, Coast Guard, and various other stakeholders.
