Bunker supplier CEPSA Marine Fuels S.A. (CMF) says it is strengthening its resources in Huelva as part of a commitment to remaining “the main physical supplier in the Strait of Gibraltar”.

“Taking advantage of CEPSA’s group, and its refinery in Huelva, CMF is coming up with new resources in the Port of Huelva,” said a CMF statement.

CMF said its latest moves would “reinforce its presence” in the area.

“As part of a larger upgrading project developed in CEPSA’s refinery in Huelva, CMF has enlarged its storage capacity and has put in place new supply facilities,” it said.

CMF said bunker product would be supplied to the port from the refinery and that there would be two new berthing points from where, occasionally, ships would be supplied by pipeline.

The bulk of CMF's deliveries, however, will be made by the double-hull barge, the Spabunker 60, which will have a dedicated berth.

The barge has capacity “for 2,400 metric tonnes (mt) of intermediate fuel oil (ifo) and 680 mt marine gasoil (mgo)”.

CMF said the vessel had a pumping capacity “of 2x600 for ifo and 2x210 for mgo.”

The supplier will continue to supply by truck for smaller deliveries.

“The Port of Huelva will become a point of reference for bunkering,” said CMF.

“CMF boasts a leading position in the ports of Algeciras, Ceuta and Gibraltar. This success is due to the constant quality and reliability of the products that come out directly from CEPSA’s refineries, and the best practices of our experienced people.”

From January, the upgraded Huelva refinery will have a capacity of 185,000 barrels a day (b/d).

CEPSA is also adding 55,500 cubic metres of bunker storage capacity at the plant.

“CMF is now ready to offer more flexibility, time-saving and better service in their bunkering activities at the Port of Huelva as well as the Strait of Gibraltar,” said the CMF statement.

Huelva is some 226 kilometres west of the Strait of Gibraltar.