Navigating Uncertainty, Delivering Together

When writing this column, we are preparing the IBIA’s Annual Convention in New York City.  You may well be reading these lines at the event as copies of World Bunkering are being distributed there. As I write, anticipation is high. We are bringing together what I believe is one of the strongest programmes we have developed in recent years, covering the topics that matter most to our industry: geopolitics, regulation, decarbonisation, alternative fuels, digitalisation and the future of the marine energy value chain.

Our commitment remains unchanged. IBIA will continue investing in high-quality events and bringing together leading voices from across the industry to create meaningful discussions, practical insights and valuable networking opportunities. The positive feedback we have received over recent years confirms that our members appreciate this approach, and we will continue building on it.

The months leading up to the convention have been both busy and productive. One of the highlights was the highly successful IBIA Asia Dinner, which once again demonstrated the growing engagement of our members across Asia. The event has grown significantly over the past few years and continues to reinforce Singapore’s importance as a major global bunkering hub and a key meeting point for our industry.

This was followed by another successful IBIA reception during Posidonia. 

As always, Posidonia proved to be one of the most important gatherings for the maritime community, bringing together decision-makers, industry leaders and stakeholders from around the world. The reception provided an excellent opportunity for members and guests to connect in an informal setting and discuss the developments shaping our sector.

Before heading to New York, we also participated in what remains the largest and most important global gathering for the bunker industry, SIBCON. IBIA had a strong presence throughout the event, both through our participation in the conference programme and through our newly branded exhibition booth, which attracted significant interest from members and visitors alike. 

It was particularly encouraging to see the positive response to the refreshed IBIA brand and the strong engagement from companies across the marine fuels and energy sector. Events such as SIBCON continue to demonstrate the importance of industry collaboration as we navigate a period of significant change.

At the same time, geopolitical uncertainty continues to dominate discussions across the maritime sector. Looking back at the first, second and now third quarter of the year, it often feels as though many of the same challenges remain with us. Ongoing tensions in several regions continue to create uncertainty around trade flows, energy markets and global economic growth. While the bunker industry has once again demonstrated remarkable resilience, I believe we all share the hope that by the time this magazine reaches you, the situation will have improved and that greater stability will have returned to global markets.

Against this backdrop, attention is increasingly focused on the upcoming MEPC meeting, which follows shortly after our Annual Convention. 

The industry continues to look for greater clarity regarding the future direction of shipping decarbonisation. Progress needs to be made; many stakeholders are seeking a clearer understanding of how future regulations, market-based measures, fuel pathways and compliance mechanisms will develop. The decisions taken will play a significant role in shaping investment decisions across the marine fuels sector for years to come.

IBIA will continue engaging constructively with regulators, policymakers and industry stakeholders to ensure that the practical realities of bunkering remain part of the conversation. As always, our objective is to support a safe, credible, commercially viable and achievable transition while ensuring fuel availability, energy security and operational efficiency for the global fleet.

Our engagement in Asia will continue immediately after the convention. We are proud to be participating in the 10th anniversary of Hong Kong Maritime Week, where IBIA will host a timely discussion focused on alternative fuels. We expect strong participation and meaningful dialogue as the industry continues to evaluate the role of different fuel options in supporting decarbonisation objectives.

This follows our participation at Pudong Maritime Week and the Global Maritime Forum events, both of which provided valuable opportunities to engage with industry leaders and policymakers. These events once again highlighted the increasingly global nature of the challenges and opportunities facing shipping and underscored the importance of collaboration across regions and sectors.

As we move through the final months of the year, it is fair to say that 2026 has been a very active and successful year for IBIA. At the same time, planning is already underway for 2027, with several exciting initiatives under consideration. 

Despite the challenges and uncertainties around us, our industry continues to adapt, innovate and move forward. That resilience remains one of our greatest strengths, and I am confident it will continue.

Alexander Prokopakis
IBIA Executive Director
[email protected]