Oil giant Shell has put its Gibraltar branch up for sale. Part of a global strategy to focus on 'upstream' business and emerging markets, the sell-off package includes two petrol stations — and a major superyacht fuel supply outlet.

"We believe that this package offers an attractive opportunity for an investor looking to purchase an integrated, cost-efficient and professional business," says Shell's Gibraltar chairman, Harry Murphy.

The yacht depot sits at an important location for yachts travelling in and out of the Mediterranean, and future owners will benefit from recent government initiatives aimed at maximising Gibraltar's superyacht potential.

"We see scores of superyachts coming in here," explains depot manager Andrew Camillieri. "In April and May they pour in, their fuel tanks almost empty having crossed the Atlantic from the eastern seaboard of the US and the Caribbean Islands.

"They call in again just before they leave the Med in October and early November. Some take 200 cubic tons as a top up, others can take as much as 800. For superyachts over 250gt there's no duty on the cost of fuel."

Early interest in the Shell package is expected from Spanish petrochemical company CEPSA, which already owns half the fuel business at Gibraltar airport.

For a full up-to-date report on all Gibraltar superyacht services, see the latest issue of Superyacht Business (June 2010) — out now.


Superyacht Business, 8 July 2010