Bunkering competition and competitiveness at the ports of the Gibraltar Strait

This article provides an exploratory analysis from the perspective of the port operators of the factors that determine the competitiveness of fuel supply at the ports of the Gibraltar Strait (Bay of Algeciras, Gibraltar and Ceuta). The methodology is based on interviews and questionnaires focused on public and private institutions involved in the port services. The results reveal that fuel prices and geographical advantage are the two main factors seen by Gibraltar Strait port operators as influencing shipping company choice of bunkering port. In order of importance, other identified factors related to the cost and quality of services, including port tariffs, supply waiting time, service rates, simplicity of crew changing, presence of restrictive environmental regulations and customs strictness.

Research highlights
► Bunkering at the Strait of Gibraltar (SG) is a continuously changing market.
► Fuel prices and geographical advantage are the main factors for selecting a SG port.
► Other factors are “port tariffs”, “supply waiting time” and “service prices”.
► Less importance is given to “industrial disputes” and “port security”.
► Significant differences are found among the three ports of the SG.