Raising the bar: IBIA’s global events momentum continues

How a landmark Convention in Hong Kong set the tone for a dynamic year ahead

From the moment we touched down in Hong Kong it was clear that this year’s IBIA Annual Convention would be something truly special. As our first fully co-located event during Hong Kong Maritime Week and held with the full support of the Hong Kong Government, through the Hong Kong Maritime and Port Development Board, the week represented not only a return to a city that has proudly hosted us in both

2005 and 2013 but a genuine step forward in how we bring our global community together.

I am delighted to say that it was one of our strongest Conventions yet. You will find a full Convention report in the pages that follow but allow me to share a few reflections. The success of the week was made possible by the commitment and collaboration of so many. Our gratitude goes to every speaker who generously shared their knowledge, every sponsor who placed their trust in us, every media partner who supported our work and every delegate who contributed to such a vibrant and forward-looking dialogue. My sincere and heartfelt thanks also go to the entire IBIA Secretariat whose expertise commitment and tireless behind the scenes work were instrumental to the quality and seamless delivery of the Convention. Their efforts, often invisible to many, are the backbone of every IBIA event.

We were also privileged to receive the backing of several key supporting associations whose partnership enhanced the depth and credibility of the programme. Our thanks go to BIMCO, the International Chamber of Shipping and The Hong Kong Shipowners Association. Their collaboration was invaluable and helped strengthen the impact and reach of our discussions throughout the week.

Deep appreciation is extended to the IBIA Asia Board who formed the regional steering committee and to our Events Working Group of IBIA Board Members. Their contribution to the agenda, development speaker engagement and thematic direction ensured a programme that was both relevant and resonant across the marine energy sector.

One comment from an attendee perfectly captured the spirit of the event.

They noted that IBIA’s conferences offer something rare, a genuine space for knowledge, sharing and openness.

They spoke of the willingness of speakers and delegates alike to collaborate and advance the industry together and said that this sense of shared purpose was the reason they would continue to attend. For me that encapsulates exactly what we seek to create at IBIA. Our events are not just gatherings they are platforms for collective progress.

Our sponsors were central to making all this possible. Chimbusco Pan Nation served as our Diamond sponsor with outstanding commitment supported by Auction Connect in the platinum category. We were also very grateful to Helmsman Supply Sohar Port and Freezone and Island Oil for their generous support as gold sponsors.

Flex Commodities Lloyd’s Register and TFG Marine joined us as silver sponsors and Star Bulk and Seven Seas Oil Hong Kong Limited as bronze sponsors.

Their contributions helped shape an event that truly stood out for both quality and impact.

With such momentum behind us there is little time to pause. Our final Members Meeting of the year takes place on 10 December and remains a vital touch point for our international community. This session offers members from all regions the opportunity to hear directly from our leadership including IBIA Chair Constantinos Capetanakis Executive Director, Alexander Prokopakis; IBIA Representative to the IMO, Dr Edmund Hughes, and our Board Members.

It promises to be a meaningful moment of reflection and forward thinking as we prepare for 2026.

Looking ahead our premier event, the IBIA Annual Dinner 2026, will take place on Monday 9 February at Grosvenor House London. Recognised as the highlight of the global bunkering calendar and held alongside the opening of International Energy Week, the Dinner draws senior leaders from across the marine fuels sector. With more than 80% of tables already reserved early booking is strongly recommended. We are deeply grateful to all our confirmed supporters including The Hawks PVT Arte Bunkering Island Oil Limited, PEMA Corporation, Sea Crown Marine Services, DMCC Sohar Port and Freezone, ExxonMobil, Gulf Petrol Supplies, the Port Authority of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Asmira Petrol, StormGeo and the Turkish Chamber of Shipping. Their continued support strengthens IBIA’s ability to deliver events that matter.

We are equally excited at the return of the IBIA Asia Gala Dinner on 22 April 2026 at The Fullerton Hotel Singapore, a beautiful highlight of Singapore Maritime Week bringing together more than three hundred senior leaders from across the bunkering marine energy and maritime communities. Sponsorship opportunities are already open with table bookings from 1 December 2025. Across the Atlantic we look forward to welcoming members to the IBIA Americas Networking Drinks Reception on 11 March 2026 in Stamford Connecticut alongside CMA Shipping 2026 an evening designed for genuine connection and thoughtful exchange.

As we move into 2026, we will continue to create meaningful opportunities for engagement both online and in person, including a reception during Posidonia and our participation in many industry gatherings across our regions. We will also be announcing the venue for the IBIA Annual Convention 2026 in February at the Annual Dinner and we look forward to sharing that moment with many of you.

As we close another inspiring and successful year my heartfelt thanks go to all our members for your trust, energy and continued support. You remain at the centre of everything we do, and we look forward to welcoming you at our many engagements around the world in the coming year.

Warmest regards,

Tahra Sergeant

Regional Manager (Africa) & Global Head, Events

[email protected]