IBIA Chair 2023 Q4 Letter
Dear IBIA members and friends, buongiorno
It was with mixed emotions that I delivered my opening speech at my last IBIA Convention, in Dubai, as the Chair of our Association. Looking back, this year has been a memorable one.
I would like to take a moment to commemorate the life of a truly influential figure, Capt. Antonio Cosulich, my uncle and former Chairman of the Fratelli Cosulich Group, and the second ever Chair of IBIA, who passed away in November 2023. Not only do we mourn his passing but also celebrate the impact he had on our organisation and the marine industry at large.
Many of you met my uncle and know how special a person he was. He was kind and generous with everyone and had the ability to put you at ease.
I personally feel very privileged having had the opportunity to spend significant time with him, learning from him, and having him as a role model both professionally and personally.
Back to IBIA now. Our membership has grown significantly, reflecting our collective strength. We have inaugurated our 4th Regional Board, focused on the Middle East, under the expert guidance of Colin Holloway. We welcomed our new Executive Director, Alexander Prokopakis, as well as IBIA’s representative to the IMO, Edmund Hughes. I am confident that these transitions signify not just change, but evolution.
The strength of IBIA is truly a reflection of its members – individuals who commit their expertise and time into elevating our industry. I extend my gratitude to the Global Board for their unwavering support during my tenure as Chair. Equally, our Secretariat’s relentless efforts ensure IBIA stands as a beacon of excellence.
As we stand at the significant milestone of IBIA’s 30th anniversary, it is with respect and admiration that we recognise our founding members, whose dedication has shaped the landscape of the bunker industry. IBIA is not just an entity but a collective of all those who have been a part of our journey—past, present and the promising future. To each of you, your contributions are the pillars upon which our association proudly stands today.
Celebrating milestones, our 2023 Convention in Dubai was a great success, reaching capacity weeks before the event and providing participants with a platform to learn, contribute, exchange ideas, and do business. Our 2024 Annual Dinner in London is already sold out and promises to be, once again, the highlight of the marine fuel industry year. This is a testament to the unwavering trust and value our members, sponsors, and supporters place in IBIA and a demonstration of how relevant our organisation is.
In closing, as the Chair of IBIA, I thank each of you for being part of IBIA’s journey. As we have said many times, IBIA is a member-led organisation and it is with your initiative that we can make a difference.