Charting the Course: IBIA Annual Convention 2025 Set to Lead Industry Dialogue in Hong Kong
Returning this November during Hong Kong Maritime Week, the IBIA Annual Convention will bring global bunker stakeholders together for expert insights, industry dialogue, and meaningful connections
As we approach the IBIA Annual Convention 2025 in Hong Kong this November, I find myself reflecting on the extraordinary growth and momentum we have experienced across our events programme over the past year. From dynamic regional dinners to collaborative industry engagements, every event has reaffirmed what we at IBIA already know: our members are hungry for dialogue, collaboration, and solutions. And nowhere is that more visible than at our Annual Convention.
The Convention has become more than just a gathering; it is our flagship platform to set the tone for the future of marine energy. It is where technical insight meets regulatory foresight, and where relationships across the bunker value chain are deepened through meaningful dialogue. Taking place from 18–20 November at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre during Hong Kong Maritime Week, this year’s event promises to be our most ambitious yet.
The programme opens on 18 November with two expert-led training sessions: a half-day course onThe Role of Mass Flow Meter System – Building Trust and Transparency in the Future of Bunkering , delivered in collaboration with Metcore International, followed by a full-day Alternative Fuels course led by Nigel Draffin and international experts, covering key developments in LNG, methanol, and biofuels. The day concludes with a Welcome Reception at the Renaissance Harbour View Hotel, offering a chance to connect in one of the world’s most iconic maritime cities.
Over the next two days, our agenda unfolds across high-impact panels covering the bunker seller and buyer landscape, regulatory updates, the future fuels transition, digitalisation, and regional market trends. Confirmed speakers include Andrew Brueckner, Global Head of Marine Fuels at BP; Guido Cardullo, Head of Marine at Fratelli Cosulich; Calvin Chung, Director and General Manager of Chimbusco Pan Nation Petro-Chemical; and Choong Sheen Mao, Director at Equatorial Marine Fuels. We’re also pleased to welcome Sunil Krishnakumar from the International Chamber of Shipping.
The Convention will also feature active participation from our own IBIA leadership, including Chair Constantinos Capetanakis, Vice Chair Adrian Tolson, and board members Jeroen De Vos, Maria Skipper Schwenn, and Dr. Edmund Hughes, our IMO Representative. IBIA’s Executive Director, Alexander Prokopakis, will be present throughout, reinforcing our commitment to leading informed, collaborative dialogue on the issues that matter most to our members.
Our Convention wouldn’t be possible without the vital support of our sponsors, organisations that not only believe in our mission but actively contribute to shaping the future of the industry.
We are especially grateful to our Diamond Sponsor, Chimbusco Pan Nation Petro-Chemical Co Ltd, whose early support anchored this year’s event. Our Gold Sponsors, Helmsman Supply Limited, Sohar Port & Freezone and Island Oil, have continued to demonstrate unwavering commitment to IBIA’s work. We also warmly acknowledge our Silver Sponsor, Flex Commodities, whose support ensures the success of our core programme.
The enthusiasm shown by sponsors has been incredibly motivating. Over 30 companies have already been approached, ranging from bunker suppliers and traders to technology providers and classification societies. Their backing is not just financial; it represents a shared belief in the power of industry collaboration and the value of IBIA’s platform.
The Convention also ties into our wider member engagement strategy. On 4 September, we will host a virtual Members’ Meeting to gather input ahead of the important MEPC/ES.2 session in October. These meetings are crucial touchpoints, allowing us to gather views from across our diverse membership and ensure IBIA’s voice at the IMO remains grounded in real-world concerns. In June, our Mediterranean ECA-focused meeting drew 71 participants, highlighting the growing appetite for regional and technical engagement.
Ultimately, the IBIA Annual Convention represents the culmination of our efforts throughout the year. It is where our work converges, training, advocacy, networking, and knowledge-sharing – into one energising and thought-provoking experience. It is where partnerships are formed, deals are brokered, and ideas are exchanged.
And above all, it’s where our community comes to life.
To those who have already confirmed their attendance, thank you for your trust and support. And if you haven’t yet registered,
I warmly encourage you to join us. Whether you’re a buyer, seller, regulator, or innovator, the Convention is your platform to connect with peers and contribute to the conversation that’s shaping our sector.
We look forward to welcoming you in Hong Kong.
Warmest regards,
Tahra Sergeant
Regional Manager (Africa)
& Global Head, Events
tahra.sergeant@ibia.net