IBIA’s Successful Training Courses
A busy past quarter with more opportunities to unlock the future of bunkering upcoming
IBIA has continued its commitment to providing high-quality, industry-leading training to professionals across the global bunkering sector. Over the last quarter, IBIA delivered several successful courses focused on critical areas such as biofuels, ISO standards, future fuels, and regulatory shifts. These courses have not only enhanced participants’ technical knowledge but have also provided them with valuable insights into the industry’s evolving landscape. As part of our mission to equip our members with the necessary expertise to navigate these changes, we are also excited to announce new courses, including a highly anticipated one dedicated to the evolving role of surveyors in the Mass Flow Meter (MFM)-equipped bunkering industry.
1. IBIA Biofuels Training Course
at the Argus Biofuels Europe Conference & Exhibition, London
Held on 14 October 2024, just before the Argus Biofuels Europe Conference & Exhibition in London, IBIA’s Biofuels Training Course attracted a strong turnout with professionals keen to understand the technical, operational, regulatory, and economic aspects of bio-based marine fuels.
The course opened with an overview of the rationale behind adopting alternative fuels for the maritime industry, followed by an exploration of various bio-based fuels, including FAME (Fatty Acid Methyl Esters), HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil), Bio Methane, and Bio Methanol. Detailed discussions also covered regulatory frameworks, fuel quality, and storage requirements for each fuel type.
A highlight of the course was the deep dive into the IMO’s shift to Well-to-Wake (Life Cycle Assessment, LCA) considerations, offering insights into the economic drivers of biofuels and predicting medium-term trends in this space. Delegates left the course better prepared to navigate the complexities of adopting biofuels in their operations.
Venue: Queen Elizabeth 2 Centre, London
2. IBIA ISO Training Course, Athens
On 4 November 2024, IBIA hosted an engaging and informative ISO Training Course in Athens, designed for professionals involved in supplying, purchasing, and verifying fuel quality. The course focused on the updates to the ISO 8217 standard, including the implications of the latest 7th edition and the increasing role of biofuel blends.
Participants gained a thorough understanding of the new ISO requirements, including the primary test methods and significant Annexes, while also exploring the challenges posed by the shift from Tank-to-Wake to Well-to-Wake regulations. The course also addressed how these changes could impact the quality and measurement of marine fuels, with a particular emphasis on the evolving regulatory landscape and the transition toward alternative fuels.
A big thank you to Baseblue for their hospitality, as they hosted the course at their Piraeus-based premises, providing a collaborative learning environment for all attendees.
3. IBIA Future Fuels Training Course, Athens
Held during the IBIA Annual Convention in Athens, the IBIA Future Fuels Training Course proved to be another highly successful event. Aimed at professionals with a foundational understanding of conventional marine fuels, this course explored the emerging fuels and technologies shaping the future of bunkering.
Experts led in-depth sessions on LNG from Stuart Carpenter of Carnival Corporation, Ammonia from Fridtjof Muri Clausen of Yara Clean, Methanol from Fredrik Stubner of Green Marine and Biofuels from Martijn Van Den Berg of Oldendorff Carriers, highlighting the operational challenges, safety concerns, and regulatory issues associated with each fuel type.
Dr Edmund Hughes, IBIA’s IMO Permanent Representative, provided a comprehensive update on IMO regulations, including the shift to Well-to-Wake documentation and the growing importance of sustainability certifications in the transition to low-carbon fuels.
The course also examined the economic implications of these fuels, as well as the measurement and quality control challenges that stakeholders in the bunkering supply chain will face. Attendees were equipped with the knowledge necessary to stay competitive in the ever-changing marine fuel landscape.
4. Upcoming Exclusive One-Day Course: The Role of Surveyors in the MFM-Equipped Industry
The bunkering landscape in key European ports, including Rotterdam and Antwerp-Bruges, is on the verge of a significant transformation with the imminent implementation of Mass Flow Meter (MFM) mandates. Surveyors, who have traditionally played a key role in verifying fuel quantity and quality, will now find themselves with a new and evolving set of responsibilities.
To prepare industry professionals for these changes, IBIA, in partnership with C4 Fuel and with the endorsement of the Ports of Rotterdam and Antwerp-Bruges, is offering a highly anticipated one-day course on The Role of Surveyors in the MFM-Equipped Industry.
This exclusive course is scheduled for the following dates:
19 February 2025 (Rotterdam)
12 March 2025 (Antwerp – Bruges)
16 April 2025 (Rotterdam)
14 May 2025 (Antwerp – Bruges)
Why Attend?
As the implementation of MFM mandates reshapes bunkering operations, surveyors will play an increasingly critical role in ensuring compliance, accuracy, and efficiency during bunkering operations. This course provides an essential deep dive into the new regulatory environment and equips participants with the tools they need to thrive in this evolving industry.
Key topics include:
Regulatory Overview: Understanding new MFM-related requirements and the compliance implications of MID and ISO 22192.
Theory and Practice of MFMs: A comprehensive overview of the technology behind Mass Flow Meters and their impact on the bunkering process.
Surveyor’s New Role:
An exploration of the evolving responsibilities of surveyors in MFM-equipped operations, and how they can enhance service offerings.
Troubleshooting and Process Optimisation:
Practical training on troubleshooting MFM systems onboard vessels and optimising bunkering procedures for greater efficiency and accuracy.
Whether you’re a surveyor, bunker operator, or another key industry stakeholder, this course will provide the technical expertise needed to stay ahead of the curve. By attending, you’ll gain a thorough understanding of the MFM system, allowing you to improve your service delivery and ensure compliance with the latest regulations.
Seats are limited, so we encourage you to register early to secure your place at this important training event. Prepare for the future of bunkering and the vital role that surveyors will play in this transition.
Looking Ahead: IBIA’s Global
Training Schedule
With the successful delivery of these courses and the upcoming MFM Surveyor-focused course, IBIA remains committed to expanding our training offerings worldwide. We are excited to announce that additional training sessions will be held in locations such as Turkey, Dubai, Nigeria and beyond, ensuring that our members across the globe have access to the latest insights and practical knowledge in the bunkering industry.
We invite all industry professionals to join us in these dynamic training programs. Whether you’re looking to deepen your understanding of biofuels, stay up-to-date with ISO standards, explore future fuels, or learn about the changing role of surveyors, IBIA’s training courses are essential for staying competitive and compliant in an increasingly complex and fast-changing industry.
Stay tuned on our website www.ibia.net for more details on upcoming courses.
Warm Regards
Sofia Konstantopoulou
Global Head, Marketing & Development
sofia.konstantopoulou@ibia.net