Maritime Fire Fighting Unit Relocated to University

Gibraltar Government Press Releases

Published April 1st, 2026

Detected April 2nd, 2026

Summary

The Government of Gibraltar has relocated the Maritime Fire Fighting Unit from Gibraltar Airport to the University of Gibraltar. The unit, jointly used by the Gibraltar Fire and Rescue Service and Airport Fire and Rescue Service for nearly 20 years, will now support maritime training courses at the University. Both fire services expect a new Compartment Fire Behaviour Training facility in May 2026.

View original document View source feed page

What changed

The Government of Gibraltar, through the Minister for the Fire Service, has relocated the Maritime Fire Fighting Unit from Gibraltar Airport to the University of Gibraltar. The unit, which had been in use for approximately 20 years, was deemed no longer suitable for the evolving training requirements of the Gibraltar Fire and Rescue Service and Airport Fire and Rescue Service. Rather than decommissioning the facility, the Government arranged for its transfer to enhance maritime courses at the University. The relocation and refurbishment were funded by AllAbroad. Both fire services are awaiting a new shared Compartment Fire Behaviour Training facility (approximately £142,000) expected in May 2026, which will provide purpose-built training capabilities locally.

This is an informational announcement with no compliance obligations or regulatory changes. No action is required from regulated entities. The relocation represents an operational decision to maximize the utility of existing assets while the fire services transition to modern training facilities. Industry observers in maritime training or fire services should note the enhanced capabilities being developed at the University of Gibraltar.

Source document (simplified)

Accessibility

Highlight

None Links Titles Just text

Colour

Default Black on White Yellow on Black Green on Black White on Black

Zoom

+ Reset ## Maritime Fire Fighting Unit Relocated to University - 235/2026

April 01, 2026

The Maritime Fire Fighting unit, which had become a fixture at Gibraltar Airport, has now been relocated to the University of Gibraltar.

The unit, which had been used by both the Gibraltar Fire and Rescue Service (GFRS) and the Airport Fire and Rescue Service (AFRS) for close to 20 years, was no longer considered suitable for their evolving training requirements. Rather than decommission the facility, the Minister with responsibility for the Fire Service arranged for its transfer to the University, where it will now support and enhance the maritime courses currently being delivered.

Both the GFRS and AFRS are now awaiting the arrival of a new Compartment Fire Behaviour Training facility, expected in May, which will provide a modern, purpose-built environment for operational training.

The Minister with responsibility for the Fire Service, the Hon. Leslie Bruzon, said: “Relocating the Maritime Fire Fighting Unit to the University of Gibraltar ensures that it continues to serve a valuable training purpose, enhancing the courses on offer. I would like to thank AllAbroad for covering the costs associated with the relocation and refurbishment of the unit as well as Head of the Maritime Academy Aaron Lopez, Vice Chancellor Catherine Bachleda and my colleague the Minister for the University Pat Orfila for their support and assistance.

“Furthermore, the procurement of a new shared training facility, at a cost of around £142,000, will enable our firefighters to train in a purpose-built, state of the art environment without the need to travel to the UK. This, together with the recent acquisition of a £1.3 million aerial ladder, demonstrates this Government’s continued commitment to both fire services, their training, and their safety.”

Back