IBIA Annual Convention: Reflecting on a new high point, with more major milestones ahead
The recent IBIA Annual Convention in Athens marked our most successful gathering yet, setting a high benchmark for the years ahead.
This year, we welcomed close to 300 delegates from 30 countries, highlighting IBIA’s continued commitment to leading the way in the global bunkering and maritime energy industry.
The convention featured two training courses with 45 trainees, eight sessions, and two specialised presentations. Additionally, three high-level keynote addresses were delivered, including for the first time both the Greek Minister of Maritime Affairs & Insular Policy and the US Ambassador to the Hellenic Republic – truly a landmark moment for IBIA.
With 11 sponsors and seven networking events, we provided participants with ample opportunities to connect, learn, and exchange insights on industry advancements. The conference also included seven live polls, engaging participants in real-time feedback and making this a more interactive experience than ever before.
The highlight was a memorable dinner at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Centre, a stunning location in Athens, a city globally recognised as one of the international centres of the maritime industry.
Our dedicated secretariat team, whose commitment and work made this year’s Annual Convention such a remarkable success, deserves a heartfelt thank you for their efforts in orchestrating such an exceptional event, which reflects IBIA’s growth and momentum in 2024. This growth is especially evident in our expanding membership, with more interest from the bunker-buying sector than ever. Following a recent luncheon hosted by IBIA Chair Constantinos Capetanakis that gathered over 30 prominent Greek shipowners, we’re seeing strong membership increases, reflecting IBIA’s increasing influence.
We equally are proud to see that IBIA’s membership is increasing, with a significant influx of shipowners joining our Association. It reaffirms the essential role of bunker fuel and marine energy in the shipping industry and highlights IBIA’s position as the trusted hub for collaboration, expertise, and advocacy on key issues driving the future of maritime energy.
We are honoured to welcome these new members as we continue to strengthen our impact on the industry.
As bunkers are more relevant to shipping than ever, IBIA is increasingly active at major international forums and events.
I was pleased to attend and represent IBIA at prominent gatherings such as Korea Maritime Week, SIBCON in Singapore, Marine Money Athens, Safety4Sea, the ESG conference, ARACON and Hong Kong Maritime Week, where our presence emphasized IBIA’s role in advancing the conversation around bunkers / marine energy worldwide.
Looking ahead, we’re gearing up for the eagerly anticipated IBIA Annual Dinner in London, which signals the start of the International Energy Week in February. Known as the premier networking event of the global bunkering industry, it draws over 1,000 guests, offering unparalleled opportunities to connect with peers and meet IBIA members and their guests.
We’re excited to see many of you there!
In the following pages of World Bunkering, you’ll also find a concise update on IMO’s MEPC 82 meeting. While progress was made toward IMO’s net-zero emissions goal for 2050, key issues remain, including the availability of compliant fuels and global compliance mechanisms.
I encourage you to read Dr. Hughes’ article for a comprehensive analysis of these important discussions and what they mean for the future of bunkering.
To keep members informed, we continue to share crucial updates and insights through the biweekly IBIA Bulletin, delivered straight to your inbox. Look out for the latest on regulatory changes, sustainability trends, and industry innovations – key resources as we navigate a rapidly evolving landscape.
As this is our final edition for 2024, I’d like to wish you all a joyful holiday and a happy New Year.
Here’s to exciting developments ahead, as IBIA and the bunkering / marine energy sector stay at the forefront of maritime industry developments in the coming year.
Sincerely
Alexander Prokopakis
IBIA Executive Director
alexander.prokopakis@ibia.net