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Coordinates: 36°08′54″N 5°21′55″W / 36.148453°N 5.365174°W / 36.148453; -5.365174
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{{short description|Agency in Gibraltar Port}}
{{EngvarB|date=March 2017}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2017}}
{{Infobox government agency
{{Infobox government agency
|agency_name = Gibraltar Port Authority
|agency_name = Gibraltar Port Authority
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|seal_width =
|seal_width =
|seal_caption =
|seal_caption =
|picture = Gibraltar Bay 02.jpg
|picture = The Port of Gibraltar (Aerial View from the North West).jpg
|picture_width = 240px
|picture_width = 240px
|picture_caption =
|picture_caption = The [[North Mole, Gibraltar Harbour|North Mole]] at [[Gibraltar Harbour]] is the site of the Gibraltar Port Authority.
|formed = 1806
|formed = 1806
|preceding1 =
|preceding1 =
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|jurisdiction = [[British Gibraltar Territorial Waters]]
|jurisdiction = [[British Gibraltar Territorial Waters]]
|headquarters = [[North Mole, Gibraltar Harbour]], [[Gibraltar]]
|headquarters = [[North Mole, Gibraltar Harbour]], [[Gibraltar]]
|latd= |latm= |lats= |latNS=
|longd= |longm= |longs= |longEW=
|region_code =
|coordinates = {{coord|36.148453|-5.365174|display=inline, title}}
|coordinates = {{coord|36.148453|-5.365174|display=inline, title}}
|motto = Gateway to the Mediterranean
|motto = Gateway to the Mediterranean
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|deputyminister2_pfo =
|deputyminister2_pfo =
<!-- (etc.) -->
<!-- (etc.) -->
|chief1_name = Captain [[Roy Stanbrook]]
|chief1_name = Bob Sanguinetti
|chief1_position = <br>[[Chief Executive]]<br>[[Captain of the Port]]
|chief1_position = <br>[[Chief Executive]]<br>[[Captain of the Port]]
|chief2_name =
|chief2_name =
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|map_caption =
|map_caption =
}}
}}

The original '''Gibraltar Port Authority''', a government entity, was established in [[Gibraltar]] in 1806. However, the current independent Port Authority in the [[British Overseas Territories|British Overseas Territory]] was founded under the 2005 Gibraltar Port Authority Act. While established in 2005, the Authority was not constituted until 2006, when its first members were appointed. It has numerous responsibilities; however, the Authority's primary function is the provision of marine services. [[Fuel oil|Bunkering]] is now the principal service that the port provides. The [[Chairman]] is the Minister for Tourism, Public Transport and the Port, [[Neil Costa|Neil F. Costa]]. Captain [[Roy Stanbrook]] is the [[chief executive officer]] of the Gibraltar Port Authority and [[Captain of the Port]].
The '''Gibraltar Port Authority''' develops and manages the [[Port of Gibraltar]].


==History==
==History==
{{see also|History of Gibraltar|Port of Gibraltar}}
On 19 February 1706, [[Anne, Queen of Great Britain|Queen Anne]] (1665–1714) of [[Kingdom of Great Britain|Great Britain]] granted [[list of free ports#Gibraltar|Free Port]] status to Gibraltar.<ref>{{cite book|title=A popular history of Gibraltar, its institutions, and its neighbourhood on both sides of the Straits, and a guide book to their principal places and objects of interest|year=1881|publisher=Garrison Library Printing Establishment|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=2J5CAAAAIAAJ&pg=PA5&lpg=PA5&dq=Southport+Gate,+Calvi&source=bl&ots=qC02jbSL7B&sig=I80soeGUz0x79ORmhuN54PiYVB4&hl=en&sa=X&ei=uuFjUI20BvTAyQH4s4HQCw&ved=0CCUQ6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q=Southport%20Gate%2C%20Calvi&f=false|author=Gilbard, Lieutenant Colonel George James|page=6}}</ref><ref name=history/><ref>{{cite web|title=Queen Anne of England|url=http://departments.kings.edu/womens_history/anne.html|work=departments.kings.edu|publisher=Prof. Pavlac's Women's History Site, History Department, King's College|accessdate=11 September 2012}}</ref> However, in the early 18th century, Gibraltar was principally a [[garrison]]; the amount of commerce was negligible. Following the 1805 [[Battle of Trafalgar]], Gibraltar was established as a port for international trade. 1823 marked the appearance of the first [[steamship]] in Gibraltar and its gradual evolution to a bunkering port.<ref name=history>{{cite journal|url=http://www.ampni.com/magazine/AEGEAN_NEWS_T19_72.pdf|title=200 Years of Gibraltar Port History|journal=Aegean News&nbsp;– The Quarterly Magazine of Aegean|date=Winter 2006–2007|accessdate=11 September 2012|page=8|publisher=Raymond Matera, Aegean}}</ref> The government-administered Gibraltar Port Authority was founded in 1806.<ref name=history/><ref>{{cite web|title=Gibraltar Port Authority|url=http://www.bus-ex.com/article/gibraltar-port-authority|work=bus-ex.com|publisher=Business Excellence|accessdate=10 September 2012|date=28 February 2011}}</ref><ref name=inscription/> Its successor, the independent Gibraltar Port Authority (GPA), in the British Overseas Territory at the southern end of the [[Iberian Peninsula]], was established in 2005 by the Gibraltar Port Authority Act.<ref>{{cite web|title=List of Crown Dependencies & Overseas Territories|url=http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/publications-and-documents/treaties/uk-overseas-territories/list-crown-dependencies-overseas|work=fco.gov.uk|publisher=Foreign & Commonwealth Office|accessdate=8 September 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Neandertals' Last Stand Was in Gibraltar, Study Suggests|url=http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2006/09/060913-neanderthals.html|work=nationalgeographic.com|publisher=National Geographic Society|accessdate=8 September 2012}}</ref><ref name=act>{{cite web|title=Gibraltar Port Authority Act 2005|url=http://www.gibraltarlaws.gov.gi/articles/2005-14o.pdf|work=gibraltarlaws.gov.gi|publisher=Gibraltar Port Authority|accessdate=8 September 2012}}</ref> The Act of [[Gibraltar Parliament|Parliament]] also provided for the transfer of some responsibilities from the [[Government of Gibraltar]] to the Authority. Provisions of the Act became effective on the date or dates determined by the Minister for the Port and Shipping.<ref name=act/><ref name=gpa>{{cite web|title=Gibraltar Port Authority|url=http://www.gibraltar.gov.gi/port-authority|work=gibraltar.gov.gi|publisher=Government of Gibraltar|accessdate=9 September 2012}}</ref><ref name=laws>{{cite web|title=Laws of Gibraltar|url=http://www.gibraltarlaws.gov.gi/full_index.php|work=gibraltarlaws.gov.gi|publisher=Government of Gibraltar|accessdate=10 September 2012}}</ref> While established in 2005, the independent Gibraltar Port Authority was not constituted until 2006. Members of the Authority were appointed, effective 1 June 2006.<ref name=constitution>{{cite web|title=Notice of Constitution of the Gibraltar Port Authority|url=http://www.gibraltarlaws.gov.gi/articles/2006s066.pdf|work=gibraltarlaws.gov.gi|publisher=Government oef Gibraltar|accessdate=10 September 2012}}</ref> The Port's office is located on the [[North Mole, Gibraltar Harbour|North Mole]] ''(pictured above)'', the [[Breakwater (structure)|breakwater]] at the northern end of [[Gibraltar Harbour]] ''(map below)''.<ref>{{cite web|title=Contact us|url=http://79.170.44.211/gibraltarportnew.com/contact-us|work=79.170.44.211/gibraltarportnew.com|publisher=Gibraltar Port Authority|accessdate=10 September 2011}}</ref><ref name=infra>{{cite book|title=Port of Gibraltar Handbook 2010–11|year=2010|publisher=Land & Marine Publications on behalf on the Gibraltar Port Authority|url=http://issuu.com/landmarine/docs/gibraltar_port_2011?mode=window&pageNumber=16|accessdate=11 September 2012|page=13|chapter=An Outline of the Port Infrastructure}}</ref> The government entity that operated the port from 1806 to 2006 is also referred to as the Gibraltar Port Authority on the plaque ''(link below)'' installed at the North Mole. The inscription reads:<ref name=history/><ref name=inscription>{{cite web|title=Gibraltar|url=http://karltravels.blogspot.com/2012/06/gibraltar.html|work=karltravels.blogspot.com|publisher=Karl's Travels|accessdate=11 September 2012}}</ref> {{Bquote|1806 2006 Gibraltar Port Authority&nbsp;– This plaque commemorates the 200th Anniversary of the creation, in 1806, of an Authority to manage and control the Port of Gibraltar It is dedicated to the memorial of all those who have served in the Port Department unveiled by The Hon. [[Peter Caruana]] Q.C. [[Chief Minister of Gibraltar]] on 9th November 2006}}
On 19 February 1706, [[Anne, Queen of Great Britain]] granted [[Free Port]] status to Gibraltar.<ref>Lieutenant Colonel George James, [https://books.google.com/books?id=2J5CAAAAIAAJ A popular history of Gibraltar, its institutions, and its neighbourhood on both sides of the Straits, and a guide book to their principal places and objects of interest], ''Garrison Library Printing Establishment'', 1981. p. 6.</ref> In the early 18th century, Gibraltar was principally a [[garrison]] where commerce was negligible.


Following the 1805 [[Battle of Trafalgar]], Gibraltar was established as a port for international trade. The government-administered Gibraltar Port Authority was founded in 1806.{{citation needed|date=August 2018}}
⚫
[[File:Gibraltar map-en-edit2.svg|thumb|left|Map of [[Gibraltar]], including [[Gibraltar Harbour]] and the [[North Mole, Gibraltar Harbour|North Mole]]]]
Under the Act, the Gibraltar Port Authority consists of eight members who operate as an "independent statutory body."<ref name=act/><ref name=handbook/> The members include: the Minister acting as Chairman of the Authority, a senior officer of the Ministry, the Chief Executive of the Authority, the Financial Secretary, an appointee of the Minister upon discussion with employers of the port, another appointee after discussion with the [[Gibraltar Trades Council]], and two additional appointees, one of whom is "a barrister or solicitor of the [[Court system of Gibraltar|Supreme Court]]."<ref name=act/> The Chairman of the board of directors of the Gibraltar Port Authority is the Minister for Tourism, Public Transport and the Port, Neil F. Costa, who took office following the [[Gibraltar general election, 2011|Gibraltar gerneral election in December 2011]].<ref name=gpa/><ref name=aegean>{{cite journal|title=New CEO Appointed in Gibraltar Port Authority|journal=Aegean News&nbsp;– The Quarterly Magazine of Aegean|date=Spring 2012|url=http://www.ampni.com/AN37_en.pdf|accessdate=10 September 2012|page=5|publisher=Raymond Matera, Aegean}}</ref> He succeeded [[Joseph Holliday|Joseph J. Holliday]], the Minister for Enterprise, Development, Technology and Transport as Chairman of the Authority.<ref name=handbook/><ref>{{cite web|title=Appointments to the Board of the Gibraltar Port Authority|url=http://www.gibraltarlaws.gov.gi/articles/2008s052.pdf|work=gibraltarlaws.gov.gi|publisher=Government of Gibraltar|accessdate=10 September 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Gibraltar: Hands off the rock|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/gibraltar/725584/Gibraltar-Hands-off-the-rock.html|accessdate=11 September 2012|newspaper=The Telegraph|date=19 October 2002|author=Jim Keeble}}</ref> Captain Roy Stanbrook is the Chief Executive of the Gibraltar Port Authority and Captain of the Port.<ref name=gpa/><ref name=gc/><ref>{{cite news|title=New Captain of the Port Appointed|url=http://vox.gi/Local/4336-new-captain-of-the-port-appointed.html|accessdate=10 September 2012|newspaper=Vox&nbsp;– The Truly Independent Gibraltar Newspaper|date=9 January 2012}}</ref> He was appointed after Costa's election victory, and assumed his position on 27 February 2012.<ref name=aegean/><ref name=gc>{{cite news|title=New Captain of the Port Appointed|url=http://www.chronicle.gi/headlines_details.php?id=23646|accessdate=10 September 2012|newspaper=Gibraltar Chronicle|date=10 January 2012}}</ref><ref name=gcoc/> Stanbrook was formerly the [[Harbourmaster|Harbour Master]] for the Lower District of the [[Port of London Authority]] in the [[United Kingdom]], and served in that position from 2007 to 2012.<ref name=gc/><ref>{{cite journal|title=River News|journal=Tidal Thames&nbsp;– The Port of London Authority Magazine|date=Autumn 2007|issue=1|url=https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:--mAGWXmTucJ:www.plapublications.co.uk/getPdf-Tidal-Thames-Issue-1+Warsash+School+of+Navigation,+Roy+Stanbrook&hl=en&gl=us&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESiUQ6the5PC_Xmlett_ZtmLSIKE7DC20yvuIJ_efDQ51iPn63N1WBGY81sVZuL_ZF4sk40vPZof4-HaJbFeITmp6FxQxMgSHgna3WErbkie8nVMJMworaNaHPW_T5sEcIEDs99S&sig=AHIEtbTituf6gsYwBqEMyDTEGeF07N2q_A|accessdate=10 September 2012|page=3}}</ref> In Gibraltar, he succeeded Captain [[Peter W. Hall]], who had served from August 2008 to October 2011, having unexpectedly resigned in September 2011.<ref name=handbook/><ref name=gcoc>{{cite journal|title=New Government and New Year bring new priorities|journal=Annual Report 2011|url=http://issuu.com/copywrite_ltd/docs/gcoc_annualreport2011?mode=window&pageNumber=28|accessdate=10 September 2012|page=27|publisher=The Gibraltar Chamber of Commerce}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Capt Peter W. Hall|url=http://uk.linkedin.com/pub/capt-peter-w-hall/27/603/481|work=uk.linkedin.com|publisher=LinkedIn|accessdate=10 September 2011}}</ref> Hall replaced Captain [[Cliff Brand]], who served from 2006 to 2008.<ref name=constitution/><ref>{{cite web|title=Captain Cliff Brand BSc (Hons), FNI|url=http://www.ibc-academy.com/event/harbour-master-distance-learning-course/Author+Biographies|work=ibc-academy.com|publisher=IBC Academy, Informa|accessdate=11 September 2012}}</ref>


In 1823, the first [[steamship]] appeared in the Gibraltar Port which gradually evolved into a bunkering port.{{citation needed|date=August 2018}}
On 9 February 2011, the Government of Gibraltar announced that the Authority had published a new Port of Gibraltar Handbook, for 2010–2011.<ref name=handbook/><ref>{{cite web|title=Press Release&nbsp;– Gibraltar Port Authority launches new Port Handbook 2010–2011|url=http://www.gibraltar.gov.gi/images/stories/PDF/pressoffice/pressreleases/2011/37-2011.pdf|work=gibraltar.gov.gi|publisher=Government of Gibraltar|accessdate=10 September 2012}}</ref> Since the passage of the Gibraltar Port Authority Act in 2005, several other amendments and regulations have been enacted.<ref name=act/><ref name=laws/><ref>{{cite web|title=Third Supplement to the Gibraltar Gazette|url=http://www.gibraltarlaws.gov.gi/bills/bills2009/2009B26.pdf|work=gibraltarlaws.gov.gi|publisher=Gibraltar Chronicle Ltd, on behalf of the Government of Gibraltar|accessdate=10 September 2012}}</ref> As of 2010, the criteria for membership on the board of the Authority appears to have been altered from the Act of 2005, and consists of: "government representatives, port operators, a representative of the Gibraltar Trades Council, independent members, [and] port senior management," although that is an informal enumeration as represented in the Authority handbook.<ref name=handbook/> Two organisations have recently been established that work in conjunction with the GPA. One is the [[Port Advisory Council]], whose members are appointed by Costa.<ref name=aegean/> The other is the [[Gibraltar Port Operator's Association]] (GPOA), founded on 23 January 2012. The intent of the organisation is to question the "terms and conditions" set by the Authority.<ref name=aegean/><ref name=gcoc/>


The independent Gibraltar Port Authority was established in 2005 by the Gibraltar Port Authority Act.<ref>[http://www.gibraltarlaws.gov.gi/articles/2005-14o.pdf Gibraltar Port Authority Act 2005] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120610031658/http://www.gibraltarlaws.gov.gi/articles/2005-14o.pdf |date=10 June 2012 }}, ''Gibraltarlaws.gov.gi'', 2005</ref> The Act of [[Gibraltar Parliament|Parliament]] also provided for the transfer of some responsibilities from the [[Government of Gibraltar]] to the Authority. Members of the Authority were appointed, effective 1 June 2006.<ref>[http://www.gibraltarlaws.gov.gi/articles/2006s066.pdf Notice of the constitution of the Gibraltar Port Authority] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120420091333/http://www.gibraltarlaws.gov.gi/articles/2006s066.pdf |date=20 April 2012 }}, ''Gibraltarlwas.gov.gi'', 2006</ref> In 2005/2006, GPA's total revenue was £583,900, and its total expenditure £519,816.59.<ref name="gibraltarship annual">[http://www.gibraltarship.com/download-file/146 Annual report 2006/2007], ''Gibraltarship.com''</ref>
==Responsibilities==
[[File:Island Escape at the Port of Gibraltar (cropped).jpg|thumb|240px|right|The [[Gibraltar Cruise Terminal]] is the responsibility of the Gibraltar Port Authority.]]
The principal function of the Authority is the provision of marine services.<ref name=handbook>{{cite book|title=Port of Gibraltar Handbook 2010–11|year=2010|publisher=Land & Marine Publications Ltd, on behalf of the Gibraltar Port Authority|url=http://issuu.com/landmarine/docs/gibraltar_port_2011?mode=window&pageNumber=8|accessdate=9 September 2012|page=5|chapter=Gibraltar Port Authority}}</ref> It has the responsibility for the port infrastructure, including its security and maintenance. The Authority has the duty to operate the port within international standards. It must regulate the movement of vessels in [[British Gibraltar Territorial Waters]]. In addition, it must make available [[search and rescue]] capability in those waters as needed. The Gibraltar Port Authority has to make certain that all entities within the port comply with local and international laws. It has a duty to encourage new business, and to market the port efficiently. It also has the responsibility of generating funds for the government.<ref name=act/>


In July 2016, the GPA offloaded [[Tomahawk (missile family)|Tomahawk missiles]], [[Spearfish torpedo]]es and [[Harpoon (missile)|Harpoon]] anti-ship missiles from a British nuclear-powered submarine that was damaged after colliding with a merchant vessel in the port of Gibraltar. The British authorities did not provide extensive information on this operation, which created tension with Spanish authorities.<ref>Jesus A. Canas, [https://elpais.com/elpais/2016/07/28/inenglish/1469693613_221922.html British Navy unloading weapons from nuclear submarine in Gibraltar], ''Elpais.com'', 28 July 2016</ref> In August 2016, the GPA signed a deal with [[Royal Dutch Shell|Shell]] to study the implementation of LNG bunkering infrastructures in the port.<ref>[https://shipandbunker.com/news/emea/192005-port-of-gibraltar-and-shell-sign-lng-bunkering-agreement Port of Gibraltar and Shell sign LNG Bunkering Agreement], ''Shipandbunker.com'', 26 August 2016</ref>
Specific marine services that the Authority provides include bunkering, crew changes, and conveyance of spare parts and other supplies.<ref name=handbook/> Bunkering, the supply of fuel to vessels, is the main service that the port provides.<ref>{{cite web|title=Gibraltar Port Authority|url=http://www.bus-ex.com/article/gibraltar-port-authority-0|work=bus-ex.com|publisher=Business Excellence, Infinity Business Media Ltd|date=19 September 2011|accessdate=10 September 2012}}</ref> Customarily, the fuel is delivered by bunker [[barge]] to a vessel anchored in the [[Bay of Gibraltar]]. However, bunkers are also delivered to ships berthed at Gibraltar Harbour.<ref>{{cite web|title=Bunkering&nbsp;– Introduction|url=http://79.170.44.211/gibraltarportnew.com/bunkering/introduction|work=79.170.44.211/gibraltarportnew.com|publisher=Gibraltar Port Authority|accessdate=11 September 2011}}</ref> The Gibraltar Port Authority is also responsible for the [[Gibraltar Cruise Terminal|Cruise Terminal]] ''(pictured at right)'' and berths for cruise ships. While much of the activity related to the Authority occurs within Gibraltar Harbour, as the commercial port is based at the North Mole, the Gibraltar Port Authority ensures safe navigation within all of its territorial waters.<ref name=infra/><ref name=handbook/> During Captain Hall's tenure, a [[Vessel Tracking System]] (VTS) was employed. It affords the GPA a real-time view of all ships within the surrounding waters, whether they are in the port (Gibraltar Harbour), the Bay of Gibraltar, the [[Strait of Gibraltar]], or to the east of the territory in the [[Alboran Sea]]. Not only does the system help ensure safe navigation, it permits more efficient utilisation of anchorages and the assessment of port fees, thereby generating revenue for the government.<ref name=gcoc/> The GPA provides [[pilotage]] service, maintains [[Navigational aid|aids to navigation]], keeps track of the depth of water, and oversees emergency services and environmental mitigation.<ref name=handbook/>

In February 2017, the GPA impounded the super yacht ([[A (sailing yacht)]]) of Russian billionaire [[Andrey Melnichenko (industrialist)|Andrey Melnichenko]].<ref>Rupert Neate, [https://www.theguardian.com/business/2017/feb/20/worlds-largest-sailing-yacht-impounded-in-gibraltar Superyacht impounded in Gibraltar], ''Theguardian.com'', 20 February 2017</ref><ref>Joey Millar, [https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/769733/russian-billionaire-super-yacht-seized-gibraltar-andrey-melnichenko Russian billionaire has £340M super-yacht SEIZED by Gibraltar in row over fees], ''Express.co.uk'', 20 February 2017</ref> In March 2017, the GPA expressed its concerns regarding the [[Brexit]] because its fuel reserves are located in the port of [[Algeciras]], the Spanish coastal city facing Gibraltar.<ref>[http://chronicle.gi/2017/03/brexit-could-severely-impact-rocks-maritime-sector/ Brexit could ‘severely’ impact Rock’s maritime sector], ''Chronicle.gi'', 1 March 2017</ref>

==Description==
⚫
[[File:Gibraltar map-en-edit2.svg|thumb|Map of [[Gibraltar]]]]

===Main functions===
* Monitor and control all vessel movements for British Gibraltar Territorial Waters (BGTW) in support of port operations and navigational safety;
* Provision and monitoring of port security including provision of security controls within restricted and controlled zones;
* The licensing of Port operations;
* Search and Rescue in British Gibraltar Territorial Waters (BGTW);
* Pollution prevention and response;
* Monitoring and control of ship-to-ship and bunkering operations within BGTW.

From 1997 to 2007, the GPA went from 27 registered ships to 236.<ref name="gibraltarship annual"/>

===Activities===
All operational matters including navigational safety and the smooth running of the Port are overseen by the Captain of the Port. The principal services provided within Gibraltar Port are bunkering (supply of fuel to vessels) and cruise liner calls.

For the bunkering, the fuel is delivered by bunker barge to a vessel anchored in the [[Bay of Gibraltar]] or delivered to vessels alongside a berth where multiple shore fuelling stations are located.

Gibraltar is a popular tourist destination for cruise liner calls due to its location at the entrance to the Mediterranean. The vast majority of all cruise liner calls to Gibraltar come alongside the primary quayside, the North Mole, Western Arm, which makes access into town convenient for passengers and crew alike. Approximately 270,000 to 300,000 cruise liner passengers transit through the port annually.

Other services include the supply & provisions for transiting vessels, crew changes, a Gibraltar-Morocco ferry service, ship repairs (see [[Gibdock]]), lub-oils delivery, slops/waste discharge, class surveys, underwater cleaning/survey, Ship-to-Ship transfers.

===Surveillance===
The GPA employs a high specification [[Vessel Traffic Service]]s (VTS) system. Supported by multiple radars and high-powered cameras, positioned in strategic locations around the [[Rock of Gibraltar]], the VTS centre monitors the surrounding waters with high levels of accuracy on a 24/7 basis.

==Governance==
*Chairman of the board: [[Neil Costa]], Minister for Tourism, Public Transport and the Port (since December 2011)
*Chief Executive and Captain of the Port: Bob Sanguinetti (since 19 May 2014)

The Port's office is located on the [[North Mole, Gibraltar Harbour|North Mole]], at the northern end of [[Gibraltar Harbour]].


==References==
==References==
{{reflist|30em}}
{{reflist}}


==External links==
==External links==
* [http://www.gibraltarport.com/ Official website]
* [http://karltravels.blogspot.com/2012/06/gibraltar.html Photograph of plaque commemorating 200th anniversary of the Gibraltar Port Authority]
* [http://www.gibraltarlaws.gov.gi/articles/2005-14o.pdf Gibraltar Port Authority Act of 2005] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120610031658/http://www.gibraltarlaws.gov.gi/articles/2005-14o.pdf |date=10 June 2012 }}


{{Agencies and Authorities of Gibraltar}}
{{Agencies and Authorities of Gibraltar}}
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[[Category:History of Gibraltar]]
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[[Category:Organizations established in 1806]]

Latest revision as of 01:57, 19 July 2024

Gibraltar Port Authority
Agency overview
Formed1806
JurisdictionBritish Gibraltar Territorial Waters
HeadquartersNorth Mole, Gibraltar Harbour, Gibraltar
36°08′54″N 5°21′55″W / 36.148453°N 5.365174°W / 36.148453; -5.365174
MottoGateway to the Mediterranean
Minister responsible
  • Neil F. Costa, Minister for Tourism, Public Transport, and the Port
Agency executive
Key document
Websitewww.gibraltarport.com

The Gibraltar Port Authority develops and manages the Port of Gibraltar.

History

[edit]
See also: History of Gibraltar and Port of Gibraltar

On 19 February 1706, Anne, Queen of Great Britain granted Free Port status to Gibraltar.[1] In the early 18th century, Gibraltar was principally a garrison where commerce was negligible.

Following the 1805 Battle of Trafalgar, Gibraltar was established as a port for international trade. The government-administered Gibraltar Port Authority was founded in 1806.[citation needed]

In 1823, the first steamship appeared in the Gibraltar Port which gradually evolved into a bunkering port.[citation needed]

The independent Gibraltar Port Authority was established in 2005 by the Gibraltar Port Authority Act.[2] The Act of Parliament also provided for the transfer of some responsibilities from the Government of Gibraltar to the Authority. Members of the Authority were appointed, effective 1 June 2006.[3] In 2005/2006, GPA's total revenue was £583,900, and its total expenditure £519,816.59.[4]

In July 2016, the GPA offloaded Tomahawk missiles, Spearfish torpedoes and Harpoon anti-ship missiles from a British nuclear-powered submarine that was damaged after colliding with a merchant vessel in the port of Gibraltar. The British authorities did not provide extensive information on this operation, which created tension with Spanish authorities.[5] In August 2016, the GPA signed a deal with Shell to study the implementation of LNG bunkering infrastructures in the port.[6]

In February 2017, the GPA impounded the super yacht (A (sailing yacht)) of Russian billionaire Andrey Melnichenko.[7][8] In March 2017, the GPA expressed its concerns regarding the Brexit because its fuel reserves are located in the port of Algeciras, the Spanish coastal city facing Gibraltar.[9]

Description

[edit]
Map of Gibraltar

Main functions

[edit]
  • Monitor and control all vessel movements for British Gibraltar Territorial Waters (BGTW) in support of port operations and navigational safety;
  • Provision and monitoring of port security including provision of security controls within restricted and controlled zones;
  • The licensing of Port operations;
  • Search and Rescue in British Gibraltar Territorial Waters (BGTW);
  • Pollution prevention and response;
  • Monitoring and control of ship-to-ship and bunkering operations within BGTW.

From 1997 to 2007, the GPA went from 27 registered ships to 236.[4]

Activities

[edit]

All operational matters including navigational safety and the smooth running of the Port are overseen by the Captain of the Port. The principal services provided within Gibraltar Port are bunkering (supply of fuel to vessels) and cruise liner calls.

For the bunkering, the fuel is delivered by bunker barge to a vessel anchored in the Bay of Gibraltar or delivered to vessels alongside a berth where multiple shore fuelling stations are located.

Gibraltar is a popular tourist destination for cruise liner calls due to its location at the entrance to the Mediterranean. The vast majority of all cruise liner calls to Gibraltar come alongside the primary quayside, the North Mole, Western Arm, which makes access into town convenient for passengers and crew alike. Approximately 270,000 to 300,000 cruise liner passengers transit through the port annually.

Other services include the supply & provisions for transiting vessels, crew changes, a Gibraltar-Morocco ferry service, ship repairs (see Gibdock), lub-oils delivery, slops/waste discharge, class surveys, underwater cleaning/survey, Ship-to-Ship transfers.

Surveillance

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The GPA employs a high specification Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) system. Supported by multiple radars and high-powered cameras, positioned in strategic locations around the Rock of Gibraltar, the VTS centre monitors the surrounding waters with high levels of accuracy on a 24/7 basis.

Governance

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  • Chairman of the board: Neil Costa, Minister for Tourism, Public Transport and the Port (since December 2011)
  • Chief Executive and Captain of the Port: Bob Sanguinetti (since 19 May 2014)

The Port's office is located on the North Mole, at the northern end of Gibraltar Harbour.

References

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  1. ^ Lieutenant Colonel George James, A popular history of Gibraltar, its institutions, and its neighbourhood on both sides of the Straits, and a guide book to their principal places and objects of interest, Garrison Library Printing Establishment, 1981. p. 6.
  2. ^ Gibraltar Port Authority Act 2005 Archived 10 June 2012 at the Wayback Machine, Gibraltarlaws.gov.gi, 2005
  3. ^ Notice of the constitution of the Gibraltar Port Authority Archived 20 April 2012 at the Wayback Machine, Gibraltarlwas.gov.gi, 2006
  4. ^ a b Annual report 2006/2007, Gibraltarship.com
  5. ^ Jesus A. Canas, British Navy unloading weapons from nuclear submarine in Gibraltar, Elpais.com, 28 July 2016
  6. ^ Port of Gibraltar and Shell sign LNG Bunkering Agreement, Shipandbunker.com, 26 August 2016
  7. ^ Rupert Neate, Superyacht impounded in Gibraltar, Theguardian.com, 20 February 2017
  8. ^ Joey Millar, Russian billionaire has £340M super-yacht SEIZED by Gibraltar in row over fees, Express.co.uk, 20 February 2017
  9. ^ Brexit could ‘severely’ impact Rock’s maritime sector, Chronicle.gi, 1 March 2017
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