IBIA Africa Promotes Sustainable Growth in the Region
As opportunities and challenges arise in the African bunker industry, IBIA Africa is promoting sustainable growth through collaboration and innovation.
The African bunker industry faces its fair share of challenges, from inadequate infrastructure to regulatory hurdles. However, I believe that with collaboration, innovation, and a positive outlook, we can promote sustainable growth in the industry and drive positive change.
While there are certainly obstacles to overcome, it’s important to remember that there are also significant opportunities for growth and development in the African bunker industry. As the African economy continues to grow rapidly, there is increasing demand for energy and shipping services, which creates opportunities for investment, job creation, and sustainable development.
The IBIA Africa Regional Board and I are committed to addressing the challenges in the industry and promoting sustainable growth through collaboration and innovation. We are proud to provide a platform for stakeholders in the African bunker industry to come together and drive positive change.
One of the key ways that we are addressing the challenges in the industry is through the upcoming 5th Africa Energy and Shipping Conference in Accra, Ghana from 5-7 September 2023. This conference will bring together industry experts, policymakers and investors from across the region and around the world to discuss the latest developments and challenges in the energy and shipping sectors.
One of the key themes of the conference is sustainability. The African bunker industry needs to become more sustainable in order to ensure that it can continue to grow and develop in the future. This means exploring new technologies and fuels, such as liquefied natural gas (LNG), and developing sustainable practices for bunkering operations.
Another key theme of the conference is the supply chain in Africa. We will explore the regional dynamics, from South Africa (in-port vs. offshore, east coast Mozambique channel, West Africa offshore vs. in-port) to Kenya and Morocco. The discussion will encompass the availability of products and suitable bunkering vessels, cost-benefit analysis for owners and charterers, bunkering area suitability, environmental considerations, and quality and quantity concerns during ship-to-ship and in-port operations. Additionally, we will examine government initiatives aimed at promoting bunkering and their potential impact on increasing the region’s attractiveness to shippers.
Finally, the conference will address regulatory issues. The African bunker industry needs to have a clear regulatory framework in order to operate effectively. This means working with policymakers to develop regulations that are fair and effective, and that promote sustainable growth in the industry.
The African bunker industry may face challenges, but there are also significant opportunities for growth and development in the region. We are committed to promoting sustainable growth in the industry through collaboration and innovation. We believe that the upcoming 5th Africa Energy and Shipping Conference in Accra, Ghana will be a key platform for stakeholders in the industry to come together and drive positive change.
As the African economy continues to grow and demand for energy and shipping services increases, it is important that we work together to create a sustainable and efficient industry that supports the growth and development of the African economy. We are proud to be part of this effort and we look forward to working with our members and partners to promote sustainable growth in the industry.
Tahra Sergeant
Regional Manager: Africa
Mobile +27 (0)79 990 7544
E tahra.sergeant@ibia.net
S sergeant.tahra W ibia.net