MH Bland Group of Companies

24/09/2026

⚓ World Maritime Day 🌍

Today, we celebrate the people and organisations that keep the maritime industry moving.

Every vessel calling at port is part of a much bigger network, connecting countries, businesses and communities around the world. Behind every successful port call are crews, agents, port authorities, suppliers, service providers and countless others working together to keep operations moving. 🚢🤝

At MH Bland, maritime has been at the heart of what we do for more than two centuries. From our roots in Gibraltar to our growing network across the Mediterranean and beyond, we continue to support vessels, their crews and our customers wherever their operations take them.

Today, we recognise everyone who plays their part in keeping the world's maritime network connected.

Happy World Maritime Day! ⚓🌊

23/09/2026

⚓ Port of the Week Ferrol 🇪🇸

The story of Ferrol’s port stretches back centuries. The natural conditions of the Ría de Ferrol supported maritime activity from Roman times through the Middle Ages, before the area took on an increasingly important role in Spain’s naval history. 🌊

During the 16th to 18th centuries, Ferrol became a temporary support base for the Spanish Navy. With the arrival of the Bourbon dynasty, its role grew further and Ferrol was established as a permanent naval base. 🚢

Then, in 1750, construction of the Navy’s arsenal began, transforming the area and driving the development of the city around it. For much of its history, Ferrol’s port was closely tied to military and naval activity.

The port began its transition towards a more modern commercial operation in the 20th century. In 1910, a board was established to oversee the expansion of the port, while a new phase of development began in 1984, bringing greater draught, additional berthing space and expanded storage areas.

Today, Ferrol continues to build on that maritime heritage, connecting a long naval tradition with a modern port and logistics network.

At MH Bland, we are proud to offer our services at this port, where history and maritime activity have been connected for centuries. ⚓

📩 For services in Ferrol, contact [email protected] or reach out to Javier Verdial.

Source: https://www.apfsc.com/en/port-authority/history/

Image Source: Archivo Autoridad Portuaria

18/09/2026

18/09/2026

A great opportunity to join our team in Tenerife 👇

⚓ We’re Hiring Junior Port Agent Tenerife 🇪🇸

We’re looking for a Junior Port Agent to join the MH Bland team in Tenerife.

Working within our Operations Department, this role will support the coordination of vessel calls, documentation, port entry formalities, customs procedures and crew changes, working closely with clients, port authorities, Principals and our Port Agency team. 🚢

The role will include:
✅ Supporting port entry and customs procedures
✅ Coordinating crew change documentation and updates
✅ Liaising with clients and port authorities
✅ Supporting Port Agents with operational and documentation matters
✅ Preparing Final Disbursement Accounts (FDAs)
✅ Providing crew change quotations to clients
✅ Keeping Principals informed throughout crew change operations

We’re looking for someone who is organised, adaptable and proactive, with good time management skills and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

Fluency in English and Spanish, both written and spoken, is required, along with good MS Office skills and a willingness to learn.

📍 Location: Tenerife
🕐 Hours: 38 hours, full time
📅 Application deadline: 9 October 2026

📩 Visit https://www.mhbland.com/blog/job-vacancies/junior-port-agent-tenerife/ for more information and apply by emailing [email protected].

17/09/2026

⚓ Bunkering in Gibraltar: Why Fuel Price Is Only Part of the Equation ⚓

When planning a bunker call, the lowest price per tonne doesn't always mean the lowest overall cost.

Voyage deviation, waiting times, port congestion, fuel availability and operational efficiency can all have a significant impact on the true cost of bunkering. 🚢

That's where Gibraltar has a major advantage.

🌍 Positioned directly on one of the world's busiest maritime routes
⚓ Established Ship-to-Ship (STS) bunkering operations
⏱️ Minimal voyage deviation for many vessels
🤝 Multiple port services coordinated during a single call
📍 Experienced local maritime support

In Part 2 of our Gibraltar Bunkering Guide 2026, we compare bunker prices across major international hubs, look at why total voyage cost matters more than fuel price alone, and explore the role of STS bunkering in Gibraltar.

At MH Bland Port Agency, we help coordinate bunkering alongside crew changes, launch services, customs formalities, husbandry and other operational requirements, helping make every call as efficient as possible.

🔗 Read Part 2 of the Gibraltar Bunkering Guide on our blog. https://www.mhbland.com/gibraltar-bunker-prices-sts-bunkering/

16/09/2026

🚢 How Ships Get Into Port ⚓

Ever wondered what happens between a ship arriving at the port limits and finally coming alongside?

A vessel’s arrival is a carefully coordinated operation involving the bridge team, pilot, tug crews, port authorities and many others working together.

Here’s a look at the process:

1️⃣ The pilot comes aboard
As the vessel approaches port, a local pilot boards the ship and works with the Master and bridge team, providing local knowledge to safely navigate the approach and manoeuvre towards the port.

2️⃣ Tugs assist the ship
Depending on the vessel, port and conditions, tugboats may be used to help control the ship’s movement, particularly during the approach and final manoeuvring.

3️⃣ The ship comes alongside
With the pilot, bridge team and tug crews working together, the vessel is manoeuvred alongside the berth. Lines are secured and the ship is ready for the next stage.

4️⃣ The port call begins
Now the work really gets underway.

Cargo operations, crew changes, stores, provisions, documentation, technical services and other requirements all need to be coordinated to keep the vessel’s call moving efficiently.

That’s where the port agent plays a vital role, coordinating the many moving parts behind the scenes and acting as the link between the vessel, port and local service providers.

From the first approach to final departure, every vessel call is a team effort. 🤝

📩 Planning your next port call? Our teams are available 24/7 to assist. https://www.mhbland.com/contact-us/

15/09/2026

⚓ Port of the Week Tangier Med 🇲🇦

Where Europe, Africa and the Atlantic meet. 🌍

Positioned on the Strait of Gibraltar, Tanger Med sits at one of the world's key maritime crossroads, connecting major shipping routes between the Mediterranean, Atlantic and African markets. 🚢

Its strategic location has helped Tanger Med develop into a major port and logistics hub, connecting with 180+ ports across 70 countries.

But connectivity is about more than a map. Behind those connections is a complex operation, bringing together container terminals, Ro-Ro facilities, vehicle handling, rail and logistics services to keep cargo moving between markets.

Just across the Strait from Gibraltar, Tanger Med is an important part of the wider maritime network linking Europe and Africa.

🛟 Need support for your next call in the region?
From Gibraltar and Algeciras to ports across the Mediterranean and beyond, MH Bland provides local port agency expertise to help keep your vessel call moving.

📩 Calling at Tangier Med? Get in touch with our Port Agency team: [email protected]

11/09/2026

Today, the MH Bland team came together and wore green in support of GibSams and su***de awareness.

It’s a simple gesture with an important message: conversations about mental health matter. By raising awareness, showing support and looking out for one another, we can help create a community where nobody feels they have to struggle in silence.

We’re proud to stand together and support the vital work GibSams does within our community. 💚

10/09/2026

Today, we celebrate Gibraltar, its people, heritage, culture and the strong sense of community that makes our home so special. ☀️⚓

As a company with deep roots in Gibraltar and more than 200 years of history, MH Bland is proud to be part of this community and to continue contributing to the Rock’s maritime, tourism and business landscape. 🤝

From all of us at MH Bland, we wish our colleagues, clients, partners, friends and the whole community a very happy Gibraltar National Day! 🇬🇮

Happy National Day Gibraltar! ❤️🤍

08/09/2026

⚓ Port of the Week Sevilla 🇪🇸

For this week’s Port of the Week, we’re taking a journey through the remarkable history of the Port of Sevilla. 📜

Sevilla’s relationship with the Guadalquivir River stretches back thousands of years. The port can trace its origins to the Phoenicians, while the Romans developed Hispalis into an important port during the 2nd century BC.

⏳ 1503: A defining moment in Sevilla's maritime history. The Casa de la Contratación was established in the city, beginning a period in which Sevilla became a major gateway for trade with the Americas and one of the most important commercial centres of the western world.

⚙️ 1794: The modernisation of the port began with the construction of the Corta de Merlina, an engineering project that improved navigation on the Guadalquivir and shortened the route to Sevilla.

🚢 1814: The Royal Company of the Guadalquivir was created to modernise the port and help maintain the river's navigability. Just three years later, in 1817, Spain's first steamboat, the Real Fernando, was launched from the shipyards in Triana.

🌉 1852: The Isabel II Bridge, better known as the Triana Bridge, opened as the first permanent connection between Sevilla and Triana, helping shape the future development of the city.

From ancient trading post to the only inland maritime port in Spain today, the Port of Sevilla has continuously evolved alongside the city and the Guadalquivir. ⚓🌊

📩 Calling at Sevilla? Our team is available 24/7 to support your vessel's requirements. [email protected]

Source: https://www.puertodesevilla.com/en