Problems encountered with the provision of bunkers to vessels

Abstract

Lying in an ideal, strategic position in the Mediterranean and right at the heart of maritime activity, Malta has served and consolidated its purpose as a bunkering hub for a number of years : years which have not only helped Malta promote itself as a bunkering stop but also as a very reputable one indeed. Nevertheless, due to the global nature of shipping, the bunker supply industry is burdened with the same terrible affliction that rules all other sectors of the maritime industry. A credible international reputation may take long years to be established : yet again, any one bad apple can very easily throw such reputation down the drain. The scope of this dissertation is precisely to: (a) view and evaluate whether Malta is actually geared to upkeep such reputation and whether the industry in Malta is capable of challenging those problems which arise constantly in the process of such a practice; (b) to highlight the present position at law with regards to such operations; (c) to make proposals for a more up to date and realistic approach with the purpose of avoiding unnecessary problems throughout the exercise of such operations.