Rapid progress is evident across all levels in the services provided by Gibraltar to the shipping industry. The so-called “Pillars of Hercules,” dating back to ancient times, have established a maritime center that successfully meets all the challenges of our era. Minister of Maritime Affairs, Mrs. Gemma Arias-Vasquez, announces that for the first time, on January 15, 2024, an event for Gibraltar’s Maritime Day will take place in Greece.
“There are immense opportunities for the shipping industry in Gibraltar, and we are here to ensure that it leverages these opportunities, listening to the industry and the needs of potential port users”, emphasizes Mrs. Gemma Arias-Vasquez in her statements.
What is Gibraltar Maritime Day and why is it being organised in Greece this year?
-“Gibraltar Maritime Day is an initiative where we bring the industry from Gibraltar out to other markets to talk to them about what is happening in Gibraltar.
We have held numerous Maritime Days in London, where we explain the benefits of Gibraltar to a London-based audience, and now felt it was time to expand the concept to other markets, where we feel we need to talk about the benefits of the Maritime Industry in Gibraltar.
There is a huge potential for the maritime industry in Gibraltar, and we are here to ensure that we lead the Gibraltar maritime industry to fulfil that potential by listening to industry and by listening to what potential users of the Gibraltar Port would require”.
-What solutions are offered for the training of seafarers in light of the significant needs that will arise in the coming years?
“The training of seafarers is crucial for ensuring safe and efficient maritime operations, especially considering the growing demands and advancements in the maritime industry. At the University of Gibraltar and our Maritime Academy, we utilize simulators, virtual reality, and augmented reality for immersive training experiences. These technologies provide realistic scenarios for hands-on learning without the risks associated with real-life situations. With the support from our partners and industry stakeholders, we offer a variety of beyond compliance training that emphasizes practical skills and abilities over traditional learning. This approach ensures that seafarers are equipped with the necessary skills to handle real-life situations effectively.
In addition to technical skills, we also emphasize the development of soft skills such as leadership, communication, and teamwork, which are crucial for effective operations and management onboard vessels and ashore. Further, we have already integrated training modules that focus on sustainable shipping operations, maritime environmental sustainability and practices in line with growing global concerns for eco-friendly maritime operations.
In Gibraltar we are taking into account the future training needs while developing and implementing these solutions and adapting to the evolving needs of the maritime industry. Our vision is to not only offer the mandatory training of seafarers but enhance it with an experience to meet the significant challenges and demands that will arise in the future”.
In your country’s registry, there are more than 200 commercial vessels with a total capacity exceeding 1.5 million GT registered, as well as 900 leisure boats. What do you believe is the primary reason for a shipowner to register in your country’s registry and what makes it particularly attractive?
“In Gibraltar we continuously look to improve the ecosystem within which shipowners operate and look at different ways in which we can diversify further. We are conscious that we operate in a Red Ensign jurisdiction and are continuously working to see what industry believes would make the jurisdiction even more attractive.
We have a certain speed to market that is achievable in few jurisdictions. We ensure that all the key players in the market are accessible. We ensure that there is seamless integration and contact between the Maritime Administrator, the Captain of the Port and the Minister, so that we can be nimble in our response.
We are also continuously looking at key initiatives that can move the industry forward. We have improved the training offering which is currently offered and have streamlined our fees. We continuously listen to players in our market when looking at how we can improve our offering”.
What facilities can be provided to maritime companies in the banking and maritime sectors during the establishment of a company in Gibraltar?
“We are looking to establish lending links through Gibraltar through numerous different methods. Gibraltar uses a common law legal system, which means that we use the same system as the UK. This enables us to look to the UK markets for financing opportunities.
Gibraltar is also a low tax jurisdiction, with a strong corporate management sector used to working in financial services. Gibraltar is able to offer corporate services to assist in the setting up of all companies. Setting up a company in Gibraltar is quick and easy. Companies are assisted during the process of setting up a bank account”.
What is the role of Gibraltar as one of the busiest bunkering ports, towards decarbonisation?
“Gibraltar has strict environmental and safety controls; this was seen particularly pertinently with our handling of the OS35 incident, as well as other incidents. Our Government has passed the Climate Change Act, which is committing to Gibraltar being carbon neutral by 2045. We have had initiatives such as bunkering operations of LNG in the port of Gibraltar and take up of this service is showing steady growth, as well as the availability and supply of biofuels in the Port of Gibraltar. We are also looking at the possibility of onshore power – to diversify the offering available in Gibraltar.
Greenports Status and Sustainability: The current Government’s manifesto details a clear vision to achieve net zero emissions, contributing to the Greenports status. It includes plans to measure emissions from port operators, particularly those on the port estate, to better plan future port activities. Sustainability mandates will be incorporated into port operator licenses on a sector-by-sector basis. Additionally, there is a commitment to replacing all port vehicles with electric ones as they require replacement, and installing charging points for cars and motorbikes in the port estate.
Environmental Protection Measures: The Gibraltar Government has committed to not allowing bunkering on the East Side of Gibraltar, citing its potential high risks to the community. This decision stems from a desire to protect the marine environment, particularly in light of recent incidents such as the wreck of the OS35 and an oil spill. The Government aims to minimise risks associated with such incidents in Gibraltar’s waters. Our management of the spill was exemplary and we are rightly proud of all the investments we have made in maximising our ability to deal with these incidents. We may not be able to eliminate the risks, but we can certainly maximise the resources at our disposal to deal with the rare instances where all our controls fail to avoid accidents like this happening.
These commitments reflect an effort to balance the economic importance of the port and shipping activities in Gibraltar with the necessity of environmental protection and sustainability”.
Gibraltar has announced the plans to build a new cruise liner terminal, stating that this project is the start of an ambitious vision for cruising for the next 25 years. Could you share some insights into this plan?
“Yes – Gibraltar is looking into an ambitious plan to invest in the infrastructure of the Port, to deliver solutions to Port operators and the industry generally. Cruising is one important part of this puzzle in Gibraltar. We are keen to look to improve the current facilities and provide both Cruise passengers and Cruise companies a better experience on visiting Gibraltar.
There is therefore to be a significant investment in both the cruise liner terminal and the Port generally, to improve the infrastructure at the Port.
We are looking to update and improve both the building itself and the surrounding area; whilst simultaneously improving logistics for the fluidity of the Cruise Liner terminal. It is of fundamental importance that we present Gibraltar in a modern, dynamic, sustainable manner – a manner which the Gibraltarians and the Port Industry in Gibraltar can be proud of”.
