The Port Authority of Ceuta has incorporated the new barge "Maya Cosulich" into its fuel supply operations, a unit intended for supplying anchored ships in the Ceuta bay. The vessel, presented at an event held at the Muelle de España alongside Vilma Oil Med and the Italian shipowner Fratelli Cosulich, is integrated into a context of sustained growth in the bunkering at the enclave.
The entry into service of this barge represents a structural expansion of the port's operational capacity in the marine fuel supply sector, an activity that has acquired significant importance within the Spanish port system in recent years. Ceuta has established itself as a strategic point for the supply of ships in transit through the Strait of Gibraltar, especially those conducting anchoring operations in its bay.
Built in 2025 and classified as a chemical tanker IMO II, the "Maya Cosulich" meets international standards in terms of safety, environmental protection, and handling of liquid products. This certification allows it to operate with a wide range of fuels and energy products in accordance with current regulations.
Among its technical characteristics is a twin-screw propulsion system, which facilitates maneuverability during supply operations at anchor, as well as the incorporation of mass flow meters. These devices ensure precision, transparency, and traceability in loading and unloading operations, in line with regulatory and contractual requirements of the international marine fuel market.
The vessel also has a high cargo capacity that expands service availability and contributes to optimizing operational times. This configuration is particularly relevant in an environment like the Strait of Gibraltar, where the demand for supply to ships in transit is on the rise.
From a technological and environmental perspective, the new barge integrates diesel-electric propulsion, onboard batteries, and mass flow measurement systems. According to Emanuela Franchini, director of New Fuels at Fratelli Cosulich, the unit is prepared to transport biofuels with up to 100% biodiesel content, which expands the offering available to shipowners seeking to reduce the carbon footprint of their operations.
For his part, Ernesto Fernández Maqueira, marine fuels manager at Vilma Oil Med, explained that the incorporation of the vessel will meet the demand for fuels with lower environmental impact and adapt to the requirements arising from the decarbonization processes of maritime transport. The possibility of supplying blends with a high biofuel content positions the port to respond to the new regulatory and commercial needs of the sector.
The president of the Port Authority, Juan Manuel Doncel, placed this incorporation within the context of the growth registered in liquid fuel traffic during 2025. The port reached 804,000 tons in fuel supply, representing a 46% increase compared to the previous year. In the overall liquid bulk sector, the volume exceeded 960,000 tons, with a 60% increase.
These figures place Ceuta among the top five Spanish ports in bunkering activity and reflect a performance superior to the average of the state port system. The expansion of the supply fleet allows for operations of greater volume and frequency, managing different types of liquid products in accordance with international regulations and increasing the efficiency of supply to anchored ships without the need for docking.
The enclave's strategy aims to consolidate its position as a specialized platform for energy supply and logistics services associated with international maritime traffic. Ceuta's geographical location, on one of the world's busiest maritime routes, is a decisive factor in this activity.
The official welcome event included the traditional ribbon cutting and the maritime blessing of the vessel, along with the presentation of an image of the Virgin of Carmen, patron saint of sailors, as well as a commemorative plaque marking the beginning of its operations at the port.
In parallel to the incorporation of the "Maya Cosulich", the Port Authority plans new investments between 2026 and 2027 aimed at improving infrastructure in the Levante and Poniente docks, the ferry berths, and the fuel supply area. These actions aim to adapt the facilities to the growth of activity and ensure safe and efficient operations.