The Port of Algeciras has decided to split a large anchorage zone in front of the port to create an access channel to new facilities that will come into operation in 2010.
Splitting the anchorage will result in slightly less space for ships awaiting bunker deliveries, observers said.
During the first quarter of 2009, bunkers supplied to ships at anchor in the Bay of Algeciras accounted for 65% of the port's overall bunker sales.
"The Board of Administration passed the modification of the Port of Algeciras anchorage area on Tuesday," a spokesperson for the Port of Algeciras Bay Authority (APBA) told Bunkerworld.
"Former anchorage area 'C' will be divided into two: 'C' and 'D'. Anchorage areas 'A' and 'B' are not modified".
The reason for the anchorage restructuring is the need to create an inbound and an outbound canal for ships using the port's new Isla Verde Exterior facilities.
"The modification will come into force in the forthcoming months" the APBA spokesperson said.
"We do not expect that this modification will have any impact in the Port of Algeciras Bay bunkering volumes."
Despite a global slowdown in shipping and a drop in overall port throughput during the first half of 2009, bunker sales at the Spanish port of Algeciras have continued to grow this year after a 4.8% year-on-year increase in 2008.
The port's Isla Verde expansion includes plans for a new container terminal and the new Alpetrol bunkering facility, which the port authority thinks will contribute to higher bunker sales from 2011 .
Splitting the anchorage will result in slightly less space for ships awaiting bunker deliveries, observers said.
During the first quarter of 2009, bunkers supplied to ships at anchor in the Bay of Algeciras accounted for 65% of the port's overall bunker sales.
"The Board of Administration passed the modification of the Port of Algeciras anchorage area on Tuesday," a spokesperson for the Port of Algeciras Bay Authority (APBA) told Bunkerworld.
"Former anchorage area 'C' will be divided into two: 'C' and 'D'. Anchorage areas 'A' and 'B' are not modified".
The reason for the anchorage restructuring is the need to create an inbound and an outbound canal for ships using the port's new Isla Verde Exterior facilities.
"The modification will come into force in the forthcoming months" the APBA spokesperson said.
"We do not expect that this modification will have any impact in the Port of Algeciras Bay bunkering volumes."
Despite a global slowdown in shipping and a drop in overall port throughput during the first half of 2009, bunker sales at the Spanish port of Algeciras have continued to grow this year after a 4.8% year-on-year increase in 2008.
The port's Isla Verde expansion includes plans for a new container terminal and the new Alpetrol bunkering facility, which the port authority thinks will contribute to higher bunker sales from 2011 .