Supporting collaboration across the maritime and energy landscape

The past few months have been a busy period for IBIA, with a strong focus on building relationships across the global maritime, bunkering and energy sectors

From championing diversity and inclusion to expanding engagement in Asia and strengthening ties with the wider energy community, each initiative reflects the Association’s commitment to supporting a connected and forward-looking marine fuels industry.

Women in Maritime
One of the highlights was the IBIA Secretariat’s attendance at the IMO Women in Maritime event at the International Maritime Organization headquarters in London. Bringing together professionals from across the maritime world, the evening celebrated the achievements of women throughout the industry while recognising the progress being made towards greater gender equality.

More importantly, the event reinforced the message that real progress comes from turning good intentions into meaningful action. Creating a more diverse and inclusive industry takes continued commitment from organisations across the maritime value chain, and opportunities to share experiences, build networks and learn from one another remain invaluable.

For IBIA, supporting diversity is not simply about representation; it’s about ensuring the industry benefits from the broadest possible range of skills, experience and perspectives. As the marine fuels sector continues to evolve, attracting and retaining talented people from all backgrounds will be essential to its future success.

WeChat Launch
IBIA has also taken another important step in strengthening its presence across Asia with the launch of its official WeChat account.

Launched in partnership with XINDE Marine News, one of China’s leading maritime media and events organisations, the account will help IBIA engage more directly with one of the world’s most important maritime markets. The initial focus is on building awareness and growing the account through the support of industry partners, including Xinde, Manifold Times and members of the IBIA Asia Regional Board.

As communication increasingly takes place through digital platforms, establishing a presence on WeChat allows IBIA to share industry news, technical developments and policy updates in a way that is accessible to stakeholders across China. It is another step in strengthening the Association’s engagement with members and the wider maritime community throughout the region.

Supporting International Energy Week 2027
Looking ahead, IBIA is also pleased to be a Supporting Association for International Energy Week 2027, organised by the Energy Institute. Taking place from 23–25 March 2027 in London, the event brings together energy professionals, policymakers, technical experts and innovators to discuss the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of global energy.

The partnership comes at an important time. As shipping accelerates its transition towards lower-carbon operations and a more diverse fuel mix, closer collaboration between the maritime and energy sectors is becoming increasingly important. 

Issues such as decarbonisation, fuel availability, infrastructure development, regulation and energy security are shared challenges that require shared solutions.

As the global voice of the marine energy value chain, IBIA welcomes the opportunity to contribute to these wider conversations and ensure the interests and expertise of the marine fuels sector are represented. 

International Energy Week provides an excellent platform to exchange ideas, share knowledge and explore practical solutions that will help support the industry’s transition.

IBIA’s role as a Supporting Association reflects its ongoing commitment to collaboration across the wider energy landscape.

Alongside these initiatives, IBIA continues to raise its profile through speaking engagements at conferences, seminars and technical forums around the world. These events provide valuable opportunities to contribute to industry discussions, share expertise and ensure the marine fuels sector remains part of the wider conversation as shipping continues to evolve.

While each of these activities is different, they all point towards the same goal: bringing people together, encouraging collaboration and helping to shape a safe, efficient and sustainable future for marine energy.

Elena Wilson
Marketing & Business Development Lead
[email protected]