Protests Erupt Over Oil Tanker Bunkering Stop in Gibraltar

The oil products tanker Overseas Santorini faced significant protests from pro-Palestinian supporters during a port call at Gibraltar for bunkering.

Among the protesters were members of the British parliament who alleged that the tanker was carrying military fuel destined for Israel and argued it should not be allowed to refuel in Gibraltar.

The vessel, with a capacity of 51,662 dwt and reportedly carrying 300,000 barrels of jet fuel, arrived off Gibraltar's coast on Tuesday night. Protesters claimed the fuel was intended for use in bombings in Gaza and that it was being shipped by Valero Energy Corporation to the port of Ashkelon in Israel.

Originally, the ship was scheduled to stop in Algeciras, Spain—a regular stop on its route from Texas to Ashkelon, Israel. However, it changed course to Gibraltar, likely to avoid protests anticipated at Algeciras.

British authorities confirmed that they had received a bunkering request from the tanker, but the Gibraltar port captain had not yet granted permission.

A coalition of British politicians and activists urged the UK and Gibraltar governments to block the bunkering, arguing that allowing the ship to dock would implicate the port in alleged violations of international law by Israel.

According to data, the Overseas Santorini left Gibraltar after 4 hours and 16 minutes and is now en route to the Mediterranean Sea. It remains unclear whether the tanker was able to refuel in Gibraltar.