Gibraltar welcomed Seabourn Ovation in her inaugural call, recently joined the International Association for Ports and Harbours and refreshed its Port Handbook
The 40,350 ton, 604 passenger cruise ship Seabourn Ovation made its inaugural visit to Gibraltar on Monday 21st May. Like sister ship Seabourn Encore, which made its inaugural call to Gibraltar on 11th Aug 2017, it is an encore-class cruise ship built by Fincantieri and is 26% larger than the older Seabourn ships.
The ship was launched on 11th May 2018 in the port of Valetta, Malta by British singer and actress Elaine Page.
Representatives from the Gibraltar Tourist Board, the Gibraltar Port Authority and local shipping agents MH Bland attended the customary ceremony on board, where an exchange of plaques took place with the Captain of the ship.
Gibraltar Joins the International Association for Ports and Harbours
The Gibraltar Port Authority has recently joined the International Association for Ports and Harbours (IAPH) which is a body that promotes the interest of ports worldwide through strong member relationships, collaboration and information-sharing that help resolve common issues, advance sustainable practices and continually improve how ports serve the maritime industries.
IAPH comprises some 200 regular members from leading ports in 90 countries representing public port authorities, private port operators as well as government agencies responsible for ports.
Manuel Tirado, CEO and Captain of the Port (Acting) commented that he was very pleased that the Gibraltar Port Authority had joined this important body and looked forward to working with the Association and its members on some of the complex and important issues affecting the maritime industry.
The Port Handbook
The Gibraltar Port Authority has recently refreshed its Port Handbook and the new version 2018- 2020 is now available in both hard copy and also on the Port website at www.gibraltarport.com .
The new version includes a number of first-rate articles from various entities with an interest in the Port of Gibraltar and also offers a unique insight into port operations in the Bay of Gibraltar.
