Connecting the Industry, From Singapore to New York

The second quarter of 2026 brought a strong programme of in-person events, online member engagement and collaboration across the wider maritime and energy sectors. From Singapore and Athens to a growing programme of meetings, forums and international partnerships, IBIA continues to create opportunities for members to connect, exchange perspectives and contribute to the discussions shaping the marine
fuels industry.

In April, the IBIA Asia Dinner returned during Singapore Maritime Week, welcoming a record 450 attendees from across the bunkering, shipping and marine energy sectors.

The strong turnout reflected Singapore’s continued importance as a global maritime hub and the value of bringing the industry together to strengthen relationships and share insight.

Further coverage of the week can be found in the Asia report from IBIA Regional Manager – Asia, Siti Noraini Zaini. IBIA extends its thanks to all members, partners and industry colleagues whose support contributed to another successful event.
In June, IBIA brought its global community together in Athens ahead of Posidonia, hosting the IBIA Posidonia Drinks Reception on the evening before the exhibition week began. The reception was held under the stars in the gardens of the Official Residence of South Africa’s Ambassador to the Hellenic Republic, Her Excellency Dr Lindiwe Msengana-Ndlela, with the Embassy of South Africa as our gracious host.

We were honoured by the presence of IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez and the Premier of the Eastern Cape, South Africa, the Honourable Oscar Mabuyane. They joined IBIA Chair Adrian Tolson and Executive Director Alexander Prokopakis in welcoming more than 300 IBIA members, shipowners and industry colleagues.

Our sincere thanks go to Reception Partner Scandi Trading and Gold Sponsors Agataz Energy, Coral Marine, Eleven Energy and Flex Commodities. Their support helped create a memorable evening and demonstrated the value of bringing together different parts of the marine fuels value chain in an open and welcoming setting.

IBIA’s online engagement continued in May with the members’ meeting, MFM Survey Insights: Quality and Quantity in Focus. Building on IBIA’s 2022 study, the session presented updated insights into global mass flow meter implementation and examined how bunker licensing, technology and regulatory alignment are influencing transparency, quantity assurance and fuel quality across key ports.

We were grateful for the contributions of IBIA Board Member Claudia Beumer of C4 Fuel, Haitham Al Tamimi of SOHAR Port and Freezone, Michael Green of World Fuel Services and Kenneth Dam of TFG Marine.
The discussion reinforced the importance of reliable data, practical experience and consistent standards in building greater confidence throughout the bunker supply chain.

The members’ programme continues with a September session focused on FuelEU Maritime: Regulation, Compliance and Trading in Practice. Tailored specifically for IBIA members, the meeting examines the fundamentals of FuelEU Maritime, its legal implications, potential trading scenarios and the wider operational and commercial considerations for organisations across the marine fuels sector.

In October, Dr Edmund Hughes, IBIA’s representative to the IMO, will lead a pre-MEPC 85 members’ meeting. The session will give members an opportunity to better understand the issues expected to shape the IMO discussions and consider their potential implications for the industry.
IBIA’s programme in Singapore also includes participation at SIBCON in October. Representatives from the Secretariat and Board will be present, with IBIA once again hosting a stand within the exhibition. The stand will provide a meeting point for members and industry colleagues to exchange views, discuss key developments and connect with the IBIA team.

The IBIA Annual Convention will take place in New York from 10 to 12 November 2026, bringing together international leaders to examine the regulatory, commercial and operational forces reshaping bunkering and marine energy.

Discussions will cover market outlooks, fuel availability, policy, quality, digitalisation, decarbonisation, regional developments and the practical realities of a multi-fuel future. Programme highlights include a keynote address from Laura DiBella, Chair of the Federal Maritime Commission; a policy address from Sydney Plante of the US Maritime Administration; and a leadership fireside conversation between Adrian Tolson and Houda Dabboussi, President of Shell Marine.

IBIA will then participate in Hong Kong Maritime Week, hosting an Alternative Fuels Forum followed by an evening networking reception. The Forum will bring together fuel suppliers, shipowners, engine manufacturers, classification societies, regulators and other stakeholders to consider the current and future roles of biofuels, LNG, methanol and ethanol.

The emphasis will be firmly practical, covering deployment experience, infrastructure readiness, regulation and commercial decision-making.

As the marine fuels sector moves towards a more diverse fuel mix, informed discussion across the full value chain will remain essential.

Beyond its own programme, IBIA continues to support and contribute to industry events around the world. Engagements during 2026 include the Marine Fuel Forum in Singapore, the Xinde Marine Forum in Athens, Maritime Week Americas in Panama, APPEC in Singapore, the Argus Sustainable Marine Fuels Conference in Houston and the Bosphorus Shipbrokers Dinner in Istanbul.

These platforms allow IBIA’s Board, regional representatives and Secretariat to share expertise, listen to industry concerns and ensure that the marine fuels sector remains part of the wider maritime and energy conversation.

Planning is also well advanced for 2027. The IBIA Annual Dinner will return to the JW Marriott Grosvenor House Hotel in London on 22 March 2027, immediately preceding International Energy Week, for which IBIA will be a Supporting Association.
To our members, thank you for your continued engagement, insight and support. Your participation ensures that IBIA remains connected to the issues that matter most.

Please continue to share your
views, join our discussions and reach out whenever there is an issue on which we can support, represent or
connect you.

I look forward to seeing many of you across IBIA’s global programme.

Tahra Sergeant
Regional Manager (Africa) & Global Head, Events
[email protected]