IBIA participates in SAMSA’s National Workshop on Shipping Decarbonisation in South Africa

IBIA – The International Bunker Industry Association – was honoured to participate in the South African National Workshop on Promoting Shipping Decarbonisation and Aligning with the IMO Net-Zero Framework, hosted by the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) on 10 July 2025 in Pretoria. Organised as part of South Africa’s response to the IMO’s global decarbonisation agenda, the workshop convened key maritime stakeholders to address the challenges and opportunities of transitioning to low- and zero-carbon shipping.

IBIA’s Regional Manager for Africa, Tahra Sergeant, contributed to Session 2: Decarbonisation Pathways – Fuel Transitions and Technologies, sharing industry perspectives on the bunkering sector’s role in supporting a just and feasible transition. Speaking alongside representatives from the IMO, GIZ, Namibia, and Atlanthia Green Hydrogen, Tahra emphasised the importance of aligning regulatory frameworks, closing infrastructure gaps, ensuring fuel certification traceability, and enabling a multi-fuel future tailored to regional capabilities. She was joined by IBIA Africa Regional Chair, Jon Hughes, further underlining the Association’s commitment to supporting South Africa’s evolving marine energy landscape.

In her remarks, Tahra highlighted IBIA’s work at the global level, including active participation in developing IMO Sustainable Fuels Certification Guidelines under MARPOL Annex VI. IBIA also plays a critical role in shaping the operational framework for the forthcoming Fuel Lifecycle Label (FLL), which will enhance transparency and traceability in alternative fuel delivery.

The workshop opened with remarks from Mr Mahesh Fakir, Chairperson of SAMSA, and featured high-level contributions from Mr Camille Bourgeon (IMO), Dr Harry Conway (Chair of MEPC), and Deputy Minister Mr Mkhuleko Hlengwa. Panel sessions addressed a broad range of issues, from regulatory alignment and fuel transitions to workforce development and green finance mobilisation. The agenda reflected a shared vision for enabling South Africa – and Africa more broadly – to play a strategic role in the global decarbonisation effort.

IBIA’s participation in this workshop reinforces its mission to foster collaboration between industry, government, and regulators, ensuring that emerging regulatory and technological frameworks are both commercially viable and operationally implementable. As South Africa continues to explore its role in the global green marine fuels supply chain, IBIA stands ready to support the region with advocacy, training, and industry insight.

We thank SAMSA for the invitation and look forward to ongoing engagement with all stakeholders working towards a cleaner, more sustainable future for maritime transport.