The Gibunco Group is a global maritime services provider headquartered in Gibraltar, delivering a comprehensive portfolio that includes ship agency services, underwater hull maintenance and a wide range of marine support solutions. Head of Ship Services Sebastian Nicolussi, Head of Operations Keith Blackshaw and Head of Business for SCAMP Mikel Salado discussed the group’s focus on modernising operations. Report by Antonia Cole.
As a leader in the international market, the Gibunco Group is focused on continuous improvement, Head of Ship Services Sebastian Nicolussi said: “Through its Worldwide Co-ordination Centres, the group maintains links with more than 300 locations worldwide, including major maritime hubs such as London, Singapore, Dubai, Athens and Spain. Our recent internal strategies have focused on modernising these traditional maritime activities, including underwater ship maintenance, ship agency operations and other marine support functions.”
“Following the pandemic, we began prioritising technical and systemic updates to ensure we remain agile. However, modernisation is more than just digitalisation. We are also committed to building strong client relationships, ensuring our personalised approach and close operational support continue to be key drivers of growth.”
The Gibunco Group has evolved from a local underwater hull maintenance and ship agency operation in Gibraltar into a significant presence in the global maritime sector. The group offers a diverse portfolio of maritime operations through its separate divisions. Gibunco Ship Services delivers core maritime activities, such as ship agency and specialised underwater hull cleaning operations. These services are then enhanced by dedicated arms of the group to deliver turnkey solutions. SCAMP provides underwater hull maintenance and fuel efficiency services and Gibunco Ship Agency delivers port agency services.
“As the demands of the modern maritime sector have evolved, we have invested heavily in our people,” added Mr Nicolussi. “We believe that success is no longer measured solely by sales volume or geographical expansion, but by the ability to balance operational excellence with the wellbeing of the workforce. By supporting our people, we are able to maintain quality service standards and navigate the increasing regulatory and environmental challenges facing the industry today.”
Turnkey solutions
With decades of experience, the Gibunco Group has established its reputation as a leading provider of maritime services on a global scale. The group now has a physical presence across five strategic ports, which include Gibraltar, Algeciras, Ceuta, Las Palmas and Tenerife. This footprint allows for a one-stop-shop model. The group is able to utilise its local expertise at each site, providing logistical solutions that prioritise financial and time efficiency. These are both critical factors in the high-pressure global trade environment.
“One of our key differentiators is our technical capability in hull maintenance through SCAMP,” explained Head of Business for SCAMP Mikel Salado. “We recently expanded SCAMP to cover the entire Bay of Gibraltar, following our 60-year anniversary. We used our own proprietary resources, avoiding subcontracting, to maintain control of the expansion and ensure quality service.
“Alongside this, we made a significant investment into ROV technology. Unlike conventional diving teams, our ROVs can operate 24/7, unaffected by low visibility conditions or deep drafts. This allows vessels to undergo essential hull cleaning and propeller polishing simultaneously with bunkering operations, which greatly minimises port stay durations and increases operational efficiencies.”
The Gibunco Group has made a significant investment in the SCAMP ROV programme, including the advanced cleaning unit, a dedicated support vessel, and the specialised infrastructure and training required to deliver operations. With this capability, the group can offer real value to clients and streamline operational processes.
“We focus on clear and direct communication with clients to ensure that they fully understand the specialised services we are offering to them,” continued Mr Salado. “Our commitment to service excellence and technical innovation, supported by our skilled team of professionals, enables us to remain a trusted supplier at the forefront of the international shipping industry.”
Sustainable practices
As environmental standards and client expectations continue to evolve across the shipping industry, the group has taken steps to align its operations with more sustainable practices. The adoption of electronic documentation systems, enabled by specialised software, has resulted in a reduction in paper usage of over 90%. In parallel, the deployment of SCAMP represents a further shift towards environmentally responsible underwater hull cleaning. By capturing biological fouling during operations and ensuring its treatment through authorised waste management channels, the group supports regulatory compliance while offering clients a more sustainable operational solution.
“Within the agency division, we also actively promote sustainable practices by educating vessel masters about available port services,” commented Head of Operations Keith Blackshaw. “This includes services such as MARPOL-compliant waste discharge, ensuring that refuse is disposed of in a sustainable way. We make sure our clients are aware of the environmental services available to them, enabling them to make responsible choices.”
The group is working to further limit its impact through investments in innovation. With ongoing trials in marine logistics using drone technology, the Gibunco Group is exploring ways to reduce its carbon footprint. By enhancing the efficiency of operations for both the group and its clients, the Gibunco Group is optimising services while prioritising sustainability.
“As we prepare for the future, it is essential that we maintain close relationships with our suppliers and partners,” added Mr Blackshaw. “We rigorously evaluate our suppliers to ensure we uphold the highest safety, compliance and service standards. This enables us to guarantee a seamless end-to-end experience for every client.”
Delivering excellence
Going forward, the Gibunco Group hopes to continue growing sustainably. This means prioritising internal stability and value-added service over rapid geographical expansion. For the group, growth is not only about increasing its footprint, but about improving services and operations to benefit both clients and stakeholders.
“A key part of this strategy is our worldwide coordination centre,” said Mr Blackshaw. “This hub allows us to attend to vessels in over 150 ports, through a network of trusted partners. With this, owners and operators who don’t have local knowledge or resources can find the best possible solutions for them.”
The Gibunco Group is dedicated to fostering long-term relationships with its local and global partners, ensuring that growth is built on a foundation of shared values and operational excellence. Through these collaborative relationships, the group is strengthening its resilience in the maritime supply chain and building a worldwide network of industry experts.
“The satisfaction of delivering a service that exceeds expectations is something that really drives us,” continued Mr Nicolussi, in conclusion. “In an industry as vital as shipping, ensuring that the world’s trade routes remain fluid and the global economy runs smoothly is our key purpose. At the Gibunco Group, we are proud to deliver leading services with our team of experts.”