Reflecting on a Year of Growth, Impact, and Maritime Engagement

As we close another busy year at IBIA, holding this World Bunkering edition in your hands is a tangible reflection of what we have been emphasising over the past couple of years: bunkers are more relevant to shipping than ever.

This issue, released after the IBIA Annual Convention that coincided with Hong Kong Maritime Week, marks a first for IBIA, aligning our flagship annual gathering with a broader maritime event. It is a fitting testament to a year in which our association has grown in both influence and relevance.

2025 has been a year of milestones for IBIA. Our membership has continued to expand at record levels, reflecting the increasing recognition of our work and the role we play in connecting the bunkering/marine energy and shipping sectors. Our impact within the industry has grown accordingly, as our members benefit from a platform that combines insight, advocacy, and networking opportunities. While the year presented challenges, most notably the stagnation of the IMO’s net-zero framework, these, like any challenges, also offer opportunities. The need for pragmatic solutions and industry-led discussion has never been clearer, and IBIA is at the forefront of these conversations.

Visually, IBIA has also evolved. This year, we introduced a new logo, which now features two vessels in a globe.  An image that embodies the essence of what we do: bunkering. This is more than a cosmetic change. It signals a broader evolution in our tone of voice, reflecting our mission to represent our members with clarity, authority, and impact. The visual identity now fully communicates our active role in the industry, reinforcing the message that IBIA is not only a network but a dynamic, essential partner to bunkering/marine energy and shipping professionals alike.

In parallel with our visual rebranding, we have invested in the tools and platforms that make our association more effective. The launch of our CRM and of a new networking platform this year has already enhanced how members connect, collaborate, and share insights. In addition, a dedicated application is on the way, designed to make engagement easier and more meaningful across our growing membership. These initiatives underline our commitment to leveraging technology in service of stronger member interaction and industry engagement.

Looking forward, IBIA remains focused on delivering value and relevance in 2026. Following the Annual Convention, we will host our premier IBIA Annual Dinner, an important gathering that follows our in-person Board Meeting and AGM. In parallel, we are actively discussing membership and governance restructuring. Since IBIA’s inception over 30 years ago, there has been no formal revision of our Articles of Association or membership structures. With our expanded relevance and growing membership, now is the ideal time to consider adjustments that will make IBIA stronger financially, organisationally, and in terms of representation, ensuring we remain a leading voice for the bunker/marine energy industry in the years ahead.

In many ways, 2025 has been about setting foundations for the future.

Every initiative, from our alignment with Hong Kong Maritime Week to the expansion of our digital and networking offerings, reflects a broader vision: to position IBIA as a forward-looking, influential, and indispensable partner in the global maritime landscape.

As members, you are part of this journey. The discussions we have, the networks we strengthen, and the knowledge we share collectively build the credibility and influence that define IBIA today. We leave 2025 with pride in what has been achieved, energy for the work ahead, and confidence that the coming year will bring even greater opportunities for engagement, innovation, and impact.

Holding this magazine, reading these words, and being part of the IBIA community is a reminder that we are moving in the right direction together.

It has been a busy, impactful year, and yet, it is only the beginning. We look forward to another great year ahead, with ambitious goals, continued growth, and meaningful contributions to the industry we serve.

Safe travels and fair winds.

Best wishes for a happy and restful holiday season.

Alexander Prokopakis

IBIA Executive Director

[email protected]