Executive Director’s report: Unity and progress
The first quarter of 2025 began with a strong and symbolic statement of unity and progress. The IBIA Annual Dinner in London – our flagship networking event – once again proved to be a monumental success. Held before the start of International Energy Week, it welcomed close to 1,200 IBIA members and guests for a memorable evening that set the tone for the year ahead. It was more than just a social gathering; it was a testament to IBIA’s growing influence and our role as a platform that brings together stakeholders across the global bunker / marine energy and shipping industry
This powerful start of the year was followed by rapid developments across the maritime sector, driven by ongoing geopolitical tensions, the far-reaching implications of decarbonisation goals, and the increasingly complex regulatory framework facing shipowners and operators. From tariff debates in the US to the evolving regional emissions schemes and a particularly contentious MEPC meeting, it is clear that the shipping industry is being redefined in real-time. What has also become evident, perhaps more than ever before, is the central role that bunkers, and the marine energy industry play in shaping this new reality.
Over the course of just three weeks, I had the opportunity to engage with stakeholders across three continents— Asia, the Americas, and the Middle East—representing IBIA at a series of key industry events. At each stop, one message echoed clearly: the bunker / marine energy industry is not merely adjacent to shipping’s challenges—it is at the heart of the conversation.
Singapore was the first stop, to attend Singapore Maritime Week (SMW) and SeaAsia.
These events brought together global thought leaders navigating the challenges of regulatory alignment, fuels of the future, and regional coordination. IBIA’s strong presence in the region was underlined by the success of the IBIA Gala Dinner in Singapore, which brought together more than 350 members and guests. Our collaboration with the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) continues to grow stronger, particularly following the successful completion of the refreshed SS648 training course and ongoing discussions about IBIA’s support for Singapore’s leadership role in global bunkering.
From Asia, I travelled to New York for the CMA Shipping Conference. I had the honour of participating in CMA’s opening panel on geopolitical disruption and was proud to moderate IBIA’s dedicated panel on alternative fuels—an area where the bunker industry is directly shaping the energy transition. The IBIA Americas Networking Reception, attended by over 150 professionals, reaffirmed the appetite for dialogue and engagement across the value chain. Amid discussions on potential tariff changes, fuel strategies, and shifting US policy under the current second Trump administration, the need for industry coordination has never been greater.
Finally, I attended FUJCON in the UAE, where IBIA was again prominently represented with several Board members speaking. I participated in a high-level panel on the evolving demands of global trade and decarbonisation—discussions which emphasized both the urgency and complexity of achieving compliance while maintaining competitiveness.
The extensive IBIA participation across the conference was a strong indicator of our credibility and visibility in the Middle East.
Across all three regions, one reality stands out: the industry’s transformation—driven by decarbonisation, digitalisation, AI integration, and geopolitical shifts—is both a challenge and an opportunity. And at every junction, the relevance of bunkering to shipping’s strategic decisions continues to grow.
We are proud that IBIA is not just part of the conversation – we are helping shape it.
Looking ahead, the IBIA Annual Convention will be a landmark moment for our association. Taking place during Hong Kong Maritime Week on 19–20 November, we are preparing for what is anticipated to be another sold-out event, rich in substance, engagement, and cross-sector networking.
Mark your calendars and make your travel plans – this is one you will not want to miss!
Sincerely
Alexander Prokopakis
IBIA Executive Director
alexander.prokopakis@ibia.net