The port continues to profit from a mini-bunkering boom that has seen ship numbers rocket since the introduction of the stringent new Emission Control Area (ECA) regulations that came into force on January 1.

All ships now travelling in a designated ECA must burn fuel with a sulphur content of less then 0.1 per cent. In the past two weeks 35 ships have made a bunkering stop here before continuing their voyages up Channel.

Many of the ships arriving for bunkers are loading marine gas oil, which complies with the new directive. An average of two/three ships a day are bunkering here, with World Fuel Services stemming list continually being added to on a daily basis.

Brent crude has fallen to below $50 a barrel this week driving down the cost of fuel. But it comes at a price, with investment in North Sea oil projects and others worldwide coming to a standstill. 

Some companies are laying off shore and sea staff to combat falling prices. Industry pundits are describing the North Sea situation as being “close to collapse.”

Ship owners, particularly the container ship operators are enjoying the cheap fuel prices, as indeed are the airlines and the general public.