Some interesting statistics are emerging as the bunkering business gears up for another bumper month. In 2006 the port handled 334 ships for bunkers. The introduction of the Channel SECA (Sulphur Emissions Control Area) last year saw 2007 ending with a total of 730 bunker ships, most of them between August and the end of the year.
During the first six months of this year 633 ships made bunker stops in Falmouth almost as many as in 2007. The average figure is running at 107 ships per month.
Falmouth's latest pilot Alex Head started work on Monday after completing his three months period of training bringing the number of pilots up to six. Falmouth Harbour Commissioners have employed two extra pilot boat crew members to ensure all of the crews are adequately rested.
The Eastern wharf is a hive of activity as ships bring in fresh reserves of low sulphur fuel oil from around Europe for the bunkering tankers to load up and take out to ships anchored in the bay.
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