The International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA) on Friday (19 June) released a statement, welcoming the agreement between United States and Iran but cautioned that restoration of confidence, operational stability and normal trading conditions will take time: 

The International Bunker Industry Association welcomes agreement reached between the United States and Iran and hopes it represents a meaningful step towards restoring peace, stability and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and the wider region.

“We join the wider maritime community in recognising the resilience, professionalism and dedication of seafarers, including those engaged in marine fuel supply operations, who continued to serve under exceptionally difficult and dangerous circumstances. Seafarers are the backbone of global shipping, enabling the movement of around 80% of world trade, while the marine energy sector plays a critical role in keeping that trade moving.

Recent events have also reinforced a fundamental principle: civilian ships, marine energy operations and the seafarers who serve on board must never become instruments or casualties of geopolitical disputes. The protection of human life at sea must remain paramount.

The crisis has highlighted the vulnerability of marine energy supply chains to geopolitical disruption. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important energy and marine fuel corridors, and instability in the region affected bunker operations, fuel logistics, supply planning and pricing across global bunker markets. While the marine fuel supply industry has once again demonstrated its resilience and adaptability, the effects of this disruption will not disappear overnight.

At the same time, recent events have reinforced the importance of energy security and supply diversification. As the maritime sector progresses towards a multi-fuel future, the development of alternative and lower-carbon marine fuels can contribute not only to decarbonization objectives but also to a more resilient and flexible global marine energy system. Strengthening supply diversity will help reduce exposure to regional disruptions and enhance the industry’s ability to respond to future crises.

While this agreement is a welcome development, it would be premature to assume an immediate return to normal operations. The restoration of confidence, operational stability, unrestricted freedom of navigation and fully functioning marine fuel supply chains will take time. Even as tensions ease, physical infrastructure, commercial confidence, supply arrangements and risk assessments will require time to recover.

We encourage all members and maritime stakeholders to continue following the guidance and recommendations of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and relevant maritime security authorities and not rely solely on political announcements when assessing operational risk and voyage planning.

As the situation stabilises, it is important that the lessons from this period are not forgotten. The safety and wellbeing of seafarers must remain paramount. 

IBIA remains committed to working with the IMO, industry partners, governments and other stakeholders to support maritime safety, protect freedom of navigation and advance practical, secure and sustainable marine energy solutions for the benefit of global shipping and trade and enhance the resilience of global marine energy supply chains.

Photo credit: International Bunker Industry Association
Published: 22 June, 2026

The International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA) recently announced that Caroline Yang, CEO, Hong Lam Marine Pte Ltd has been appointed by the IBIA Global Board as Chair of the Regional Board – Asia.

Yang, CEO of Hong Lam Marine Pte Ltd, brings over 30 years of experience in the shipping industry. She joined Hong Lam Marine as in-house legal counsel in 1991 and was appointed Executive Director in 2002. As CEO, she oversees the company’s legal and human resources functions.

Yang succeeds Captain Rahul Choudhuri, who has completed his term as Regional Chair. 

IBIA said the transition reflects IBIA’s commitment to rotating leadership roles across its boards, ensuring broader participation and strong regional engagement.

Alexander Prokopakis, Executive Director, IBIA, said: “We are pleased to welcome Caroline Yang as Chair of the IBIA Asia Regional Board. Caroline brings industry experience, leadership, and regional insight, which will be invaluable in further strengthening IBIA’s presence and engagement across Asia.

“I would also like to sincerely thank Capt. Rahul Choudhuri for his leadership and commitment over the past years, and for his continued support to the Association”.

Manifold Times previously reported IBIA appointing three new members to the IBIA Asia Regional Board including Yang. 

Related: IBIA appoints three new Asia Regional Board members

Photo credit: International Bunker Industry Association
Published: 10 June, 2026

Industry organisations ICS, BIMCO, INTERCARGO, INTERTANKO, IMCA, and OCIMF have worked together to produce guidance aimed at assisting ships in transiting the Strait of Hormuz, according to BIMCO on Wednesday (20 May). 

BIMCO said the guidance was produced to help mitigate risks after hundreds of vessels remained unable to transit the Strait of Hormuz and, in the event of a return to more normal navigation conditions, the movement of all those vessels within the Strait could represent a considerable navigational hazard.

“The document complements the Best Management Practices Maritime Security (BMP MS) and is intended to support voyage-specific threat and risk assessment, facilitating shipboard and office planning,” it added. 

“The safety of life, safe navigation and protection of the environment remain the primary considerations, with the Master retaining overriding authority. A structured decision process has been developed to aid companies and to consider the likely threat scenario in the risk assessment for each ship.”

Note: The guidance can be found here. 

Photo credit: CHUTTERSNAP on Unsplash
Published: 21 May, 2026