| Gibraltar has been a maritime   centre for over 3,000 years. Admiral Nelson was one of the first to see   Gibraltar's potential as a naval base. With the closure of the Royal Dockyard in   1985, Gibraltar has had to look to other sectors to continue its survival. One   of the new directions is the port. You will notice the large number of oil tankers moored off Gibraltar. 
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                     At the centre of   Gibraltar's transformation from a fortified naval base to a thriving centre of   trade, lies the Port of Gibraltar. Every year more than 80,000 vessels pass   through the strait of Gibraltar, making it an ideal place for stop-overs for   services and provisions. With a massive cash input from the Government, the port   has managed to develop facilities for a wide variety of vessels. The   improvements are still ongoing. As a result of these improvements, the port now   caters for over 5,500 ship calls a year. The new cruise terminal caters for well   over 200 cruise calls per year, very important for Gibraltar's economy.                     
                     Because of the VAT free   status of Gibraltar, the port is used extensively for the handling of   cargo. 
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                  | Gibraltar Port is also a   haven for private yachts with its three marinas and a wide variety of services   including long-stay facilities. The port is world renowned for its shipyard   facilities. |  |  | 
            
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              | Port   details The port is located at the entrance   to the Mediterranean in position Lat 36o08oN Long 5o22"W. Documents required on   entering the port are, three crew/passenger lists, Maritime declaration of   health, ship's register, loadline certificate, de-ratting certificate, crew   agreement and Insurance certificate concerning liability for oil pollution. Pilotage is compulsory on arrival for   berthing, unberthing and shifting anchorage. Vessels at anchor may leave without   pilot.
   The port is quite unique   in the variety of facilities that are available including all dry dock repairs,   berthing for any manner of vessel including cruise liners, massive bunkering   facilities for oil and because of its tax status, all spare parts are flown in   and supplied tax-free. |  | 
            
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                  | Important contacts |  
                  | Gibraltar Port   enquiries | Tel   (350) 77254 / 78134 |  
                  | Ministry for Tourism and   Transport | Tel   (350) 79336 |  
                  | Registry of Ships | Tel   (350) 47771 |  
                  | H.M   Customs |  |  
                  | Immigration Dept | Tel   (350) 48531 |  
                  | Passport Office | Tel   (350) 70071 |  
                  | Tourist   Board | Tel   (350) 74950 |  
                  | Chamber   of Commerce | Tel   (350) 78376 |  
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