Welcome to an exciting 2024
A message from IBIA’s Executive Director, Alexander Prokopakis
As we embark on a promising 2024, I am thrilled to welcome you back to another year of growth and influence at IBIA. This year is poised to be a landmark one for us, as we continue to fortify IBIA’s position in the industry with the support and collaboration of our esteemed members.
We kick off the year with the pivotal IBIA Board elections, opening two seats due to the departure of Steve Simms, Principal of Simms Showers LLP, and a previous resignation in 2023. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Steve for his unwavering commitment and significant contributions to IBIA. His legacy continues as a valued member of our community. Last year, we witnessed an impressive 60% voting participation from our membership, and this year, we aim even higher. As this article reaches you, we will be at the IBIA Annual Dinner 2024, eagerly announcing our new board members.
The last quarter of 2023 marked a milestone for IBIA with a substantial increase in our membership. This surge reflects the industry’s trust and the value IBIA brings to the table. Our goal for 2024 is not just to maintain this momentum but to broaden our reach. We are setting sights on expanding our membership in the Americas, Asia, and particularly within the buyers’ segment, ensuring a truly global representation of the bunker value chain.
Following the successful launch of our Middle East Regional Board in November 2023, we are now gearing up for the announcement of our final Regional Board in Europe at the IBIA Annual Convention 2024. This expansion underscores our commitment to being a truly global organisation, responsive to the needs and dynamics of different regions.
In April 2024, I am looking forward to visiting Singapore, a key location for our industry and an important region for IBIA. This visit will be a fantastic opportunity to meet and engage with our Asia-based members. I am particularly excited about attending the IBIA Asia Gala Dinner 2024, an event that promises to be a highlight for our Asian members and an excellent occasion for networking and discussing industry developments. I’ll return in October for SIBCON, the premier and most impactful event in the Marine Fuels industry. SIBCON 2024 promises to offer knowledge, engagement, and abundant opportunities for collaboration.
Speaking of global gatherings, I am delighted to announce that the IBIA Annual Convention 2024 will be held in Athens, Greece, a city close to my heart and a pivotal hub in the global shipping industry. Our Conventions have consistently grown in popularity, and we anticipate a fully packed event this year. We look forward to welcoming our members and industry stakeholders to Athens for an enriching and engaging Convention in November.
As the industry evolves into the digital era, so does IBIA. We are actively exploring ways to upscale our offerings, aligning with the global trend of digital solutions. Our aim is to ensure that our members benefit from the latest technological advancements and industry insights.
I am proud to acknowledge the growth of the IBIA team. Their dedication and expertise are invaluable in our mission to advocate for and protect the interests of our members. This team’s strength is a testament to our collective commitment to excellence and service.
We extend our thanks to Timothy Cosulich for his outstanding leadership as our Chair. As Timothy’s tenure concludes in March 2024, it’s important to recognise the remarkable impact he has made. His commitment to transparency has been a guiding light, and his expertise as a multinational leader has propelled IBIA to unprecedented heights. The standard of excellence Timothy has set will serve as a lasting benchmark for us. His vision and dedication will continue to inspire our path forward, ensuring that IBIA remains at the forefront of the industry.
Finally, I want to reaffirm my commitment to open communication. My door is always open, not just to our members, but to the broader industry and associated organisations. Let’s collaborate and communicate openly to steer IBIA towards greater heights in the next 12 months.
In conclusion, let us all join hands in making 2024 a year of unprecedented growth and success for IBIA. Together, we can achieve greater milestones and continue to make a meaningful impact in the bunker and shipping industry.