Strong winds and heavy rainfall are disrupting bunkering operations at central and western Mediterranean ports, market participants said.
The port of Malta has suspended inbound vessel traffic since 17 January because of strong winds and heavy rain, resulting in tight supply schedules and longer lead times, traders said.
The weather in Malta is forecasted to remain challenging until the weekend. Sea conditions are very rough today, with waves of up to 11 metres and gale force nine wind, according to information site Maltaweather.com.
Operational disruptions in Gibraltar and the Canary Islands are expected because of the same weather pattern, market participants said. Gibraltar’s port authority expects unsettled conditions with gusts of 30 to 35 knots on Wednesday.
By Natália Coelho
Photo credit: Argus Media
Published: 22 January, 2026
