IBIA provides unique digital events where policy-makers, change-makers and leaders discuss challenges, opportunities and possible solutions

This year’s conferences started with the ‘Bunkering & Shipping in Transition’ Part 1, which was held on 12-13 April. This dynamic online conference consisted of a series of sessions with presentations, panel discussions and live Q&As.

We heard first-hand accounts of the latest updates from IMO and what it means for our industry, and highlights of what exactly is changing in Annex VI to progress IMO’s initial GHG strategy. In a session on Coping with COVID. we looked at whether business models are changing in 2021 and if we are doing things differently. We heard thoughts on what we can we expect from the Shipping & Freight Markets in 2021. In a session called Understanding VLSFO, our expert panel discussed the impact on fuel quality and operational issues, and whether the ISO:8217 specification is still sufficient. We discussed cleaner-burning fuels and the decarbonisation drive. Digitalisation in the bunker industry was also on the agenda, and we covered credit and risk management, as understanding and dealing with it has never been more critical.

This is an opportunity to thank those who attended and contributed at the ‘Bunkering & Shipping in Transition’ Part 1. The support of our dedicated speakers, supporting organisations, the UK Chamber of Shipping and the Turkish Chamber of Shipping, our Bronze sponsor Intertek Lintec, our exhibitors Bunker Metric, Simms Showers and Nereus, our media sponsors World Bunkering, Ship & Bunker, Manifold Times, Petrospot and Bunkerspot have been instrumental in this success.

For those who could not make it, we are pleased to inform you that there will be a continuation of this Conference. IBIA will deliver ‘Bunkering & Shipping in Transition’ Part 2 in order to focus on different markets and time zones such as the Americas and Europe. It will take place on 1-2 September virtually, with panels, one-to-one discussions and networking opportunities. The Conference will host more than 50 speakers and 200 participants, from bunkering production, sales and usage entities, associated services and government agencies, ship owners and operators, bunker suppliers, traders, brokers, barging companies, storage companies, refineries, surveyors, port authorities, credit reporting companies, lawyers, P&I clubs, equipment manufacturers, shipping journalists and marine consultants.

IBIA’s agenda will focus on topics such as: IMO Regulatory Changes, Shipping & Freight Markets including Cruising, VLSFO updates, Alternative fuels for Shipping, Bunkering and Digitalisation, and Credit Risk. Also, our members have requested that we host a bunker buyers panel.

Throughout the year we continue organising our monthly ‘IBIA Member meetings’, where we meet and engage with our members, giving them the opportunity to interact with each other, and listen to their views, helping IBIA to represent our industry better.  If you are reading this article and you want to be part of these meetings, of this community, you can become a member now. Get in touch with us at [email protected].

IBIA also acts as supporting organisation to major events such as the 12th International Fujairah Bunkering & Fuel Oil Forum (FUJCON), Singapore Maritime week, London International Shipping week and many others such as the Bunker Forum in Saint Petersburg in Russia in June. You can find more information about upcoming events in our events calendar and the Diary Apart from our own events, IBIA’s Director, Unni Einemo, participated as a panellist and moderator at FUJCON in March, and she took part in two panels at the S&P Global Platts European Fuels conference in May, discussing current and future market challenges in the ‘Leaders discuss’ panel and pathways to reducing GHG emissions in the ‘Future fuels roundup’ panel. If you wish IBIA to support your conference/webinar you can get in touch with me directly.

To continue with our events agenda, IBIA will deliver our Annual Convention on 16 to 18 November virtually. This is an official invitation to all of you who wish to participate as speakers and/or sponsors and/or attendees in a global environment formulating the future of our industry.

IBIA also runs a series of online training courses to inform the members of our industry and help them to understand international regulations, and offer guidance on how best practice and application of international standards can improve their ability to source, supply and use the fuels required now and in the medium term. We are in the pleasant position to announce the preparation of a training course everyone has been waiting for: Alternative Fuels. Keep an eye on our website for the launch date. For more information and to book your course modules, you can visit https://ibia.net/events/ or contact us at  [email protected]

The training modules are aimed at all bunker industry stakeholders who are keen on gaining solid general knowledge of marine fuel. It will be of value to sellers, bunker deliverers, surveyors and ship operators. Delegates will be able to ask questions and seek clarification on any topics covered.

The duration of each module is up to 60 minutes. The modules can be taken as stand-alone courses, however attendees will gain the best value by taking all modules in the order suggested. On completion of a module, delegates will receive the ‘IBIA Certificate of Attendance’.

IBIA is dedicated to offering equal opportunities to all our members, creating the perfect environment for content, business and networking opportunities by bringing the bunkering community together.

If you would participate in our Conference as a speaker and/or sponsor you can contact me directly at [email protected]

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Photo credit: IBIA
Published: 30 June, 2021