FAQs - About IBIA

Q. What benefits are ship owner members obtaining from the IBIA ?

A. Ship owners that are not members likely believe that IBIA activities take up too much time to become involved and benefits are none to very few. Ship owners that are involved believe just the opposite and that it is worthwhile being involved since much information can be gained from other members to assist with improving their own bunker operations which likely can lead to reduced costs. A past Chairman of IBIA, Ivar Tonnesen, was invited to the INTERTANKO event at Monte Carlo in 2000 to talk on the bunker business. Tanker owners were impressed by how educating the bunker buyer of their business can make significant cost savings to their operations.

Q. What are the benefits of corporate vs. individual membership?

A. Corporate membership is attached to a company not to an individual. Therefore all employees of the company get the benefit of IBIA membership whereas individual membership applies only to the named individual. Corporate members receive three free copies of each IBIA publication (individual members receive only one); can reserve more than one place for their employees on IBIA courses and conferences (only the named individual can attend a course and cannot send a substitute); can book one or more tables at the annual dinner to entertain their corporate clients and guests (individuals can reserve only 6 tickets including one for themselves) and can use the IBIA logo on their corporate stationary.

Q. Is IBIA just a supplier's organisation?

A. No, IBIA is open to every person and company having anything to do with the international bunker industry.

Q. Does membership of IBIA signify a certain level of quality with regard to supply of bunkers?

A. No, it indicates that the member has an interest in the industry, but one would expect IBIA members to maintain high, self-regulated standards.

Q. Does IBIA have a "black list" of supplier's and/or buyer's?

A. No, IBIA is committed to be outside of individual deals and contracts and does not maintain any such register.

Q. Does IBIA have a code of Conduct?

A. No, IBIA has produced a Glossary to industry terms and has produced a Guide to Good Commercial Practice.

Q. Is IBIA open to members from outside of London?

A. Yes, yes, yes - it is an International body having an administration office in Southampton, but with members from over 60 countries.

Q. How can IBIA improve the industry?

A. Through education, not legislation. IBIA does not have the inclination, power or ability to force change on the industry. However, with its bunker courses, publications and regular meetings, it can help in the dissemination of bunker education that will help those in the market in their daily lives.