Verdemar warns that Gibraltar maintains a "floating gas station" in the bay of Algeciras

Greenpeace and Ecologists in Action warn that Gibraltar continues to operate a "floating gas station," supplying fuel in the Bay of Algeciras (Cádiz). In a statement, they have indicated that the oil tanker vessel Gladiator with the IMO number 9222132, flying the flag of Gibraltar, measuring 228 meters in length and 40.03 meters in width, with a cargo capacity of 72,910 tons of hydrocarbons, is still transferring fuel at the central dock of Gibraltar. As such, this ship has been serving as a supply or receiving vessel for years, generating an impact on the area. The organisation also points out that these operations often generate air pollution exceeding limits set by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). They further criticise the "polluting smoke plumes" generated by the Chemical/Oil Products Tanker Stenberg, registered under the IMO number 9283978, upon entering the port of Gibraltar. According to a report from the University of Cadiz (UCA), there are sufficient data and studies showing how ships passing through the Strait of Gibraltar cause death due to air pollution. The organisation emphasises that the transportation of goods by sea consumes approximately 300 million tons of fossil fuels per year, resulting in high levels of emissions; moreover, it adds that the amount of fuel used directly leads to both greenhouse gases (GHGs) and regulated emissions, including nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur oxides (SOx), and particles (PM) that affect human health. Verdemar also notes that emissions from vessels in the Strait of Gibraltar emit harmful substances such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter (PM), which can lead to reduced life expectancy, early mortality, and increased morbidity caused by exposure to these compounds.