IBIA’S GLOBAL EVENTS CALENDAR SETS TONE FOR 2025
From London to Singapore, Stamford to Dubai – IBIA events are creating waves and forging stronger industry connections across the globe
It’s safe to say that 2025 is off to a flying start. In just a few short months, IBIA has already delivered an impressive calendar of events—hosting, attending, and supporting key gatherings that span the globe. From our own flagship events to strategic participation in leading industry forums, the IBIA Secretariat and Board have been hard at work, helping shape the global conversation around marine fuels, compliance, innovation, and the future of bunkering.
Let’s begin by thanking everyone who joined us in London in February for the IBIA Annual Dinner—our signature networking event that continues to be a highlight of the year. Your presence made the evening a memorable one, filled with meaningful connections and warm camaraderie. A special thank you to our sponsors for their generous support: The Hawks, Arte Bunkering, Bunker Partner, PEMA, Sohar Port & Freezone, Cockett Marine, ExxonMobil, Gulf Petroleum Supplies, MME, Uni-Fuels, Arkas Bunkering, Asmira, BunkerNext, Drumo Coin, Maritec Naisa, and UnercoNext year’s dinner will take place on Monday, 9 February 2026—earlier than usual—so be sure to mark it in your calendar.
In Singapore, the IBIA Asia Gala Dinner 2025 was another sold-out success during Singapore Maritime Week, bringing together over 360 industry professionals for an evening of dialogue and networking. Meanwhile in the United States, our IBIA Americas Networking Drinks during CMA Shipping in Stamford, Connecticut proved to be another valuable opportunity to engage with members and partners. Huge thanks to our event supporters Lindsay Blee, Sunoco, Seahawk Services, GTBunkers, Eric Evans LLC, and Monjasa for their contributions in bringing this gathering to life.
March saw IBIA’s presence at the International Women’s Day 2025 celebrations at the IMO. Tara Morjaria, IBIA’s Operations & Membership Manager attended alongside Ilenia Arand as the industry reflected on the importance of gender equality, recruitment, retention and career growth for women in maritime. With the launch of the IMO-WISTA Women in Maritime Survey 2024 and the Gender Equality Award, the event spotlighted the strides we’ve made—and the work still to do. At IBIA, we remain committed to fostering an inclusive industry, one where diverse perspectives drive innovation and resilience.
As I write, we are looking ahead to the inaugural IBIA Middle East Gala Dinner in Dubai on 5 May 2025. Held at the Sheraton Grand Hotel and kicking off UAE Maritime Week, this promises to be a stand out evening of insight and industry celebration.
We are grateful to our sponsors:
IME – International Marine & Energy DMCC (Gold), Flex Commodities DMCC, Oil Marketing & Trading International L.L.C., and TFG Marine Pte Ltd (Silver), and Axiom Global Oil & Gas Trading DMCC (Bronze).
Their support underscores the strength of our growing network in the region.
Our Members’ Meetings also continue to offer vital forums for shared learning and engagement. We recently welcomed Dr Edmund Hughes and Maria Skipper Schwenn (IBIA Board Member) for a debrief on MEPC 83—a session packed with valuable insights. Coming up in the second week of June, we invite members across the Mediterranean to join us for a discussion on the region’s designation as a Sulphur Emission Control Area, coming into effect on 1 May 2025.
This will be a chance to share operational perspectives and prepare collaboratively for compliance.
And of course, our flagship event, the IBIA Annual Convention 2025, is on the horizon. Taking place during Hong Kong Maritime Week, this year’s edition includes a full day of training on 18 November, followed by two days of conference sessions. It’s the perfect opportunity to network, learn, and collaborate—so keep an eye out for registration and sponsorship announcements in May.
As for supported events, IBIA’s global footprint continues to grow. From the Navigator Assembly in Athens and Maritime Week Africa in Mauritius, to panels at CMA Shipping and FUJCON, our board and Secretariat have been active participants in key industry conversations. Whether it’s exploring future fuel pathways, compliance trends, or geopolitical impacts on global trade, we are helping shape the future of bunkering with every engagement.
We were also proud to be represented by our Asia Regional Manager, Siti Noraini Zaini, at the Green Fuels Forum in Dalian, China—an important platform to discuss emissions, life cycle certification, and the shifting focus of fuel procurement post-MEPC 83. Similarly, IBIA is proud to be a strategic partner at the upcoming Istanbul Bunker Conference in May, and we continue to support leading platforms such as Sea Asia and the International Bunker Conference.
IBIA events are more than dates on a calendar—they are touch points that connect our members, foster collaboration, and amplify our collective voice. As 2025 continues to unfold, we look forward to more of these opportunities to engage with you, our valued members. Thank you for being a part of our journey.
Tahra Sergeant
Regional Manager (Africa)
& Global Head, Events