The Gibraltar Port
The British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar located on the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula has been a crucial strategic naval base for the Royal Navy since its capture in 1704.
Its location at the entrance to the Mediterranean Sea made it vital for controlling maritime traffic and projecting naval power. The Royal Navy maintained a significant presence there for centuries, playing key roles in major conflicts like the Napoleonic Wars, World War I, and World War II
The Port of Gibraltar, is a major seaport due to Its strategic location at the crossroads of the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea which has made it a crucial maritime hub for centuries.
Positioned at the Strait of Gibraltar, one of the world's busiest shipping lanes, the port serves as a "maritime gateway" for global trade. Over 60,000 vessels transit the strait each year, making Gibraltar an ideal location for ships to call for various services.
The port offers a wide range of services to different types of vessels, including commercial ships, cruise liners, and yachts. Key services include: Bunkering: Gibraltar is a major bunkering (ship refueling) port, and the largest in the Mediterranean.
The port has a shipyard, Gibdock, with facilities for maintenance, repairs, and dry-docking.
Other services include crew changes, facvilitated by the nearby Gibraltar International Airport, the supply of provisions and spare parts, and waste management.
The port has a dedicated cruise terminal, making it a popular stop for Mediterranean cruise ships.
The port is managed by the Gibraltar Port Authority (GPA), which was established in 2005. The GPA is responsible for the safety of navigation, port security, licensing of operations, search and rescue, and pollution prevention in British Gibraltar Territorial Waters.
