Las Palmas is one of the major bunkering locations in the Atlantic and an important fuel supply port for vessels operating between Europe, Africa, the Atlantic islands and international trading routes. The Port of Las Palmas is officially described as the Atlantic's leading fuelling station and one of Spain's leading ports for bunkering.

For shipowners, ship managers, operators, masters and bunker buyers, a bunker call in Las Palmas can be arranged as part of a normal port call, technical stop, crew change, repair period or other vessel operation.

This guide explains the main points to consider when planning bunkering in Las Palmas and how a local ship agent can coordinate the operation.

WHY BUNKER IN LAS PALMAS?

Las Palmas has an established marine fuel supply infrastructure and serves a wide range of commercial vessels.

The Port Authority has described the port as having substantial fuel storage capacity, pipeline infrastructure for supplying vessels at berth, bunker barges for ship-to-ship supply and tanker trucks for fuel delivery.

This infrastructure allows bunker operations to be planned according to the vessel's location, fuel requirement and operational schedule.

Las Palmas is particularly relevant for vessels making Atlantic crossings or trading between Europe and West Africa because fuel supply can be incorporated into the vessel's voyage planning.

MARINE FUEL SUPPLY IN LAS PALMAS

The exact fuel grade required depends on the vessel's machinery, fuel system, trading requirements and applicable fuel regulations.

Depending on the stem and supplier arrangement, vessels may request products such as:

• Marine Gas Oil (MGO)
• Low Sulphur Marine Gas Oil (LSMGO)
• Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO)
• High Sulphur Fuel Oil (HSFO), where permitted and applicable
• Other marine fuels according to supplier availability and vessel requirements
• Marine lubricants

Fuel availability, specification, quantity, delivery method and operational restrictions should always be confirmed for the individual bunker stem before the operation.

HOW DOES BUNKERING WORK IN LAS PALMAS?

A bunker operation normally begins with the vessel or bunker buyer identifying the required fuel grade and quantity.

The following information is normally useful when requesting a bunker arrangement:

• Vessel name
• IMO number
• ETA
• ETD
• Bunker location
• Fuel grade
• Required quantity
• Delivery window
• Maximum permissible sulphur content
• Delivery method
• Tank capacity and receiving arrangements
• Any special operational requirements
• The bunker supplier then provides the relevant commercial and operational information.

A local bunker agent can coordinate communication between the vessel, supplier and other parties involved in the operation.

BUNKER DELIVERY METHODS

Fuel may be delivered using different methods depending on the vessel's location and the available infrastructure.

At berth, fuel supply may involve the applicable shore-side arrangements or tanker trucks.

Ship-to-ship bunkering can be performed using bunker barges where the operation is permitted and arranged.

The Port Authority's published information confirms the presence of bunker barges and tanker-truck capability within the Las Palmas port system.

The appropriate delivery method depends on vessel location, fuel quantity, supplier arrangements, port requirements and operational conditions.

BUNKERING AT ANCHORAGE

Vessels do not necessarily need to complete every bunker operation alongside.

Where permitted and operationally feasible, bunkering can be coordinated for vessels at anchorage or in other approved operating locations.

For an anchorage bunker operation, additional planning may be required regarding vessel position, marine transfer arrangements, weather, safety, supplier availability and applicable port requirements.

A local bunker agency can coordinate the operational communication between the vessel and the fuel supplier.

WHAT DOES A BUNKER AGENT DO?

A local bunker agent is not the fuel supplier. The agent's role is to coordinate the local operation and communication between the vessel and the relevant parties.

Depending on the appointment, agency support can include:

• Bunker stem coordination
• Supplier communication
• Vessel ETA updates
• Bunker delivery planning
• Port and operational coordination
• Documentation assistance
• Delivery schedule monitoring
• Communication with the master
• Coordination with terminal or bunker barge parties
• Support with other vessel requirements during the bunker call

This can be especially useful when the shipowner, manager or bunker buyer is arranging the stem remotely.

BUNKER DOCUMENTATION

Accurate documentation is an important part of every bunker operation.

The vessel's master and relevant officers should review the applicable bunker documentation and delivery records in accordance with the vessel's procedures and the contractual arrangements with the supplier.

The local agent can assist with communication and document flow between the vessel and supplier, while the contractual and technical acceptance of the fuel remains between the relevant contracting parties.

PLANNING A BUNKER CALL

Early planning can make the operation more efficient.

A bunker request should ideally include the vessel's ETA, fuel grade, quantity, required delivery window and location.

If the vessel is also planning a crew change, spare parts delivery, provisions, repairs or other services, these requirements should be communicated to the ship agent at the same time.

This allows multiple port-call activities to be coordinated around the vessel's schedule.

LAS PALMAS BUNKERING AND YOUR LOCAL SHIP AGENT

Las Palmas has a well-established bunkering infrastructure and significant experience serving vessels requiring marine fuel. Official Port Authority information has highlighted the port's fuel storage, pipeline, bunker-barge and tanker-truck infrastructure.

Our role is to make the local operation simple for the vessel and its management team.

We can coordinate bunker suppliers, vessel communication, port call arrangements, crew changes, spare parts, customs, transportation and other services required during the same call.

If your vessel is planning bunkering in Las Palmas, send us the vessel name, IMO number, ETA, fuel grade, required quantity and preferred delivery location.

We will coordinate with the relevant bunker parties and provide local ship agency support for your bunker operation.