Navigating the Future

Navigating the Future

IBIA’s pivotal role in shaping the maritime sector through our active membership engagement

As the Global Head of Events at IBIA, it is my pleasure to bring you the latest updates from our diverse and dynamic calendar of activities that continue to foster growth and collaboration in the maritime sector.

In our IBIA Executive Director’s Report, Alexander highlighted two significant members’ meetings held this year. The first session provided updates from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 81), offering critical insights into regulatory changes and industry impacts. The second session focused on the Digitalisation Working Group, where we delved into the latest technological advancements impacting the bunkering industry.

Looking ahead, we are excited to host an upcoming members meeting focused on the EU ETS, FuelEU, and Fit for 55. Scheduled for June 12, this meeting aims to dissect these critical regulatory updates and their implications for our industry.

This session promises to provide valuable insights and strategies for navigating the evolving regulatory landscape, ensuring our members are well-prepared to adapt to these changes.

The IBIA Asia Gala Dinner has recently concluded, and for more detailed insights, I encourage you to look forward to the report from Siti Noraini our Regional Manager in Asia. This event was a resounding success, bringing together key stakeholders to discuss regional issues and opportunities within the Asia-Pacific bunkering community.

With great anticipation, we look forward to the upcoming cocktail reception preceding the Posidonia shipping event. Thanks to the generous support from our sponsors, this reception is poised to be a premier networking opportunity, allowing our members to engage with industry leaders and peers in a convivial setting.

Preparations are well underway for the IBIA Annual Convention to be held in Greece.

This year’s Convention will cover a broad spectrum of pertinent topics including Regulatory Updates, State of the Industry, Shipowners Panel, Bunker Players and Industry Insights, and Diversity in the Maritime Sector.

Year on year, the Annual Convention has seen growth in delivery and impact, and this year continues that trend with a commitment to high-calibre speakers and topics designed to engage and inform our attendees on critical industry developments.

IBIA continues to actively support and participate in numerous regional events. Noteworthy engagements include our presence at the CMA Shipping event in March, Alexander Prokopakis, IBIA’s Executive Director spoke on the ‘State of the Industry Panel | Status Check on the Maritime Industry in 2040.’ Alongside Alexander was Adrian Tolson, IBIA’s Vice Chair and owner of 2050 Marine Energy, who moderated a panel on ‘Energy Market Drivers and Meeting Future Bunker Demand. Additionally, at the Our Oceans conference in Athens, our new Chair, Constantinos Capetanakis, made significant contributions as a panellist, demonstrating our leadership in sustainable maritime practices. The International Bunker Conference in Oslo was another significant platform where IBIA played a pivotal role as an industry partner.

During the 2024 GREEN4SEA Athens Forum, Alexander Prokopakis, gave a presentation on the importance of bunkering for the maritime industry. He explained the role and goals of IBIA as an organisation, standards, vision, and future aims. The 2024 GREEN4SEA Athens Forum successfully took place on Tuesday 2nd April 2024 at the Lighthouse of Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC), Athens.

Saunak Rai, Head of FueLNG and Asia Regional Board Member (IBIA), provided a comprehensive perspective on the alternative fuel pathways in the maritime industry’s transition. Rai emphasised that while alternative fuels offer promising solutions for decarbonisation, they also present significant safety and infrastructure considerations that need to be addressed. He highlighted that the journey towards achieving zero-emission shipping is complex and not straightforward, requiring careful planning, collaboration, and innovation.

IBIA is also gearing up for a significant presence at Maritime Week Americas to be held in Panama in May, where our leadership, moderated by IBIA’s Vice Chair Adrian Tolson, will host a panel highlighting the influential work of IBIA within the International Maritime Organization and other pivotal forums. This panel will feature contributions from IBIA’s Board, along with Regional Board members from the Americas, and members of our dedicated Working Groups.

Reflecting on our first event of 2024, the successful IBIA Annual Dinner was held in London in February. We are immensely grateful for the participation and enthusiasm of over 1,100 attendees who made the evening truly remarkable.

A special thank you to all our sponsors whose generous support was instrumental in the success of this event.

We were honoured to have Arsenio Dominguez, the IMO Secretary-General, join us as our special guest, adding a significant highlight to the evening. Most importantly, we extend our deepest gratitude to our IBIA members, whose steadfast support and engagement are the backbone of our continued success. Your presence and commitment helped us achieve yet another sold-out Annual Dinner, reinforcing the strength and unity of our community.

I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the Events Working Group, a specialised team within the IBIA Board, plays a crucial role in enhancing the value of our gatherings. Comprised of dedicated board members, this group is tasked with the sole purpose of curating high-level programmes and offerings for our events. It is my privilege to chair this working group, where we focus on delivering top-tier experiences that not only meet but exceed the expectations of our members.

Thank you to all IBIA members for your unwavering support and active participation in our initiatives. Your insights and feedback are invaluable as we continue to refine our event offerings and ensure they meet the high standards and expectations of our community.

We welcome your suggestions on topics and speakers and encourage you to share your visions for future conferences and events.

As we move forward, IBIA remains dedicated to advancing our industry through education, advocacy, and the promotion of ethical practices. Together, we are steering towards a more informed, efficient, and sustainable future for the maritime sector.

We look forward to seeing you at our next gathering, ready to engage, learn, and innovate.

Tahra Sergeant

Regional Manager (Africa)

& Global Head, Events

tahra.sergeant@ibia.net

+27 799907544

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