Gibraltar Port reopened for bunkering operations following bunker spill incident

The Gibraltar Port Authority on Saturday (5 August) confirmed that the Gibraltar Port is open for bunkering operations, following a bunker spill that occurred on 1 August. 

“Yellow flags have been raised at both Little Bay and Camp Bay. This will be constantly monitored and beachgoers are asked to report any sightings of oil or sheen to the lifeguards. Red flags may be raised again if necessary,” it said in a statement. 

“Booms are being replaced in Rosia Bay, whilst the coastal cleanup continues to be ramped up with low
volume, high pressure washing. Vessels continue to skim in the area for free-floating sheen with sorbent booms.”

Manifold Times previously reported LPG tanker Gas Venus was taking bunkers when it experienced an overflow of its tanks in the southern part of the Western Anchorage on 1 August. 

Following that, the Captain of the port confirmed that a rough estimate of between 1,000 and 2,000 litres of Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO) was spilled to sea during a bunkering operation.

Related: Bunkers spilled in Gibraltar estimated to be up to 2,000 litres of VLSFO
Related: Gibraltar suspends port operations following bunker fuel spill incident

Photo credit: Michal Mrozek on Unsplash
Published: 8 August, 2023