Reflections on the IBIA Annual Convention 2023
Charting the course for the future of bunker and shipping Industries
We have recently celebrated the resounding success of our Annual Convention 2023. Hosted on the iconic Queen Elizabeth 2, a floating hotel majestically moored in Port Rashid, Dubai, the event was nothing short of spectacular. With 250 delegates and sponsors, this year’s Convention re-affirmed i its place as a key event in the bunker and shipping industry calendar.
This year’s Convention brought together a diverse group of leaders, experts, and professionals from across the globe. Special thanks go to Captain Mohamed Al Ali,Senior Vice President, Offshore Logistics, ADNOC Logistics & Services, our keynote speaker and all the industry specialists and panellists who added such value to the Convention. These industry stalwarts shared invaluable insights, tackled pressing challenges, and explored the latest advancements in the sector. The discussions centred around pivotal topics such as sustainability, regulatory changes, and technological innovations. For a more in-depth analysis of these discussions, readers can refer to the special report in this issue by Jack Jordan, Managing Editor of Ship & Bunker.
A special acknowledgment is due to our sponsors, whose unwavering support and shared values have been instrumental in elevating IBIA’s status within the industry. We extend our heartfelt thanks to our sponsors at various levels, including Diamond sponsor Oilmar Shipping and Chartering DMCC, Platinum sponsor Oil Market & Trading International, Gold sponsor Cockett Marine Oil, Silver sponsors such as Almafraq and Arte Bunkering, and our Bronze sponsors Green Fuels International DMCC, Glander International Bunkering, Inatech, Seahawk Services, Star Bulk, StormGeo, Tallon and ZeroNorth. Our appreciation also goes out to our supporting associations, BIMCO and the International Chamber of Shipping, as well as our media partners Ship & Bunker, and media sponsors, World Bunkering, Bunkerspot, Manifold Times, Mundo Maritimo and S&P Global Commodity Insights.
A highlight of the Convention was the Bunker Surveyors Course, led by experts Nigel Draffin, Chris Turner, and Navin Singh. This intensive programme covered key aspects like fuel types, regulations, safety procedures, and accurate fuel quantity calculations. The course emphasised the importance of ethical practices and professionalism, preparing participants for a successful career in bunker surveying.
As we approach the holiday season and the new year, preparations are underway for the iconic IBIA Annual Dinner, set to be held at the luxurious Grosvenor House Hotel in Mayfair, London, on February 26, 2024. This prestigious event, a staple in the bunker industry’s calendar, is known for its unparalleled networking opportunities and memorable experiences. With the dinner almost at full capacity, we extend our gratitude to our early sponsors Gold sponsors, Arte Bunkering, Sea Crown Services, Oilmar Shipping and Chartering DMCC, Silver sponsor, Gulf Petroleum Services and advertisers Terpel and Petro Inspect. We invite others to seize the remaining opportunities to showcase their brand at our prestigious member event.
The year 2023 has been phenomenal for IBIA. Our engagement with members and the wider industry has been unparalleled, marked by successful events including the Asia Dinner, IBIA Italy Conference in Genoa, IBIA Africa Conference in Accra, Ghana, and our presence at SIBCON. As we welcome back Sofia Konstantopoulou from maternity leave, we are excited about the future endeavours and high-level engagements planned by our Marketing and Events team.
Closing this remarkable year, we look forward to continuing our journey with our growing membership and the broader industry. We remain committed to steering the bunker and shipping industries towards a sustainable and prosperous future.
I would like to extend our warmest wishes to everyone for a happy, prosperous, and healthy end to the year and eagerly anticipate the opportunities and challenges that 2024 will bring. The IBIA Annual Convention 2023 has set a new benchmark for industry gatherings, and we are excited to build on this success in the years to come.
Tahra Sergeant
Regional Manager (Africa) & Global Head, Events
+27 799907544