Navigating the ever-evolving landscape

Adapting to changing dynamics and supporting growth in the Bunker Industry

As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of the bunker industry, it is crucial to acknowledge the significant changes impacting our region and beyond. The recent developments in global bunker demand, driven by external factors, alongside our active involvement in key industry events, underscore IBIA’s commitment to supporting our members and stakeholders.

The ongoing attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea have had a profound impact on the global bunker industry. The increased distances travelled, and higher speeds necessitated by these security concerns have added an estimated 800,000 to 1,000,000 metric tons per month to global bunker demand. This surge has presented a dual challenge: increasing overall supply volumes and adjusting the locations of bunker supply to align with shifting demand patterns. As a result, we’ve observed a notable increase in bunkering activity across ports on the African coastline, offshore Africa, and nearby islands. You can read more about this is available on the IBIA website under news item Change in Bunkering Activity – Red Sea Attacks on Commercial Shipping.

IBIA remains actively involved in supporting the growth and development of the industry in Africa. One such example is our support for the recent WISTA Africa Conference, held in Cape Town from July 22 to 24. This event was a resounding success, bringing together industry professionals, thought leaders, and policymakers from across the continent. The conference, themed “Empowering Women in Maritime: Navigating the Future,” featured an impressive lineup of speakers, including Ambassador Nancy Karigithu, Kenya’s Special Envoy for Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs, Lulama Mtembu, COO of SAMSA, and Elpi Petraki, President of WISTA International. It was an honour to serve as Programme Director, and I am proud that IBIA played a key role in raising the flag for women in maritime.

Looking ahead, IBIA Africa is pleased to support the inaugural Nigeria International Bunker Industry Conference 2024 (NIBIC 2024), scheduled for November. This high-level three-day conference, organised in partnership with the Nigerian Chamber of Shipping, aims to engage local and international stakeholders in the oil and gas and maritime sectors. It is poised to herald a new era in Nigeria’s bunker ecosystem, covering a range of subjects of particular interest to those working or interested in bunkering in Nigeria and Africa at large. Additionally, IBIA will be running a one-day Basic Bunker Course preceding the conference to provide foundational knowledge and insights for participants.

Lastly, I would like to bid a fond farewell to John B. Tagoe from GOIL, who has served tirelessly on the IBIA Africa Regional Board. John’s support has been instrumental in the success of last year’s IBIA Africa Conference, and his contributions to the board have been invaluable. We thank him for his dedication and wish him all the best in his future endeavours.

As always, I encourage our members to stay engaged and take an active role in our region. Please feel free to reach out to me directly with any queries or questions regarding our current and future activities.

Tahra Sergeant

Regional Manager (Africa)

& Global Head, Events

tahra.sergeant@ibia.net