Tahra Sergeant, International Bunker Industry Association’s (IBIA) Regional Manager of Africa and Global Head of Events, on Thursday (10 September) released an overview of recent market developments, regional engagement and upcoming activities across Africa: 

The past quarter has reinforced the diversity of Africa’s bunker and marine fuels landscape. Conditions continue to vary across the continent, shaped by fuel availability, changing supply routes, regulatory frameworks and local infrastructure. While challenges remain, there is growing momentum and a shared understanding of the importance of collaboration in supporting sustainable market development.

North Africa remains relatively stable, with continued demand for low-sulphur marine gasoil around key Mediterranean ports. 

The Mediterranean Emission Control Area is also influencing fuel requirements and regional demand patterns.

Across West Africa, demand remains active, with local production in Nigeria becoming increasingly important to the wider market. Lagos and Port Harcourt remain key locations, while renewed refinery activity in Ghana may create further opportunities to strengthen regional fuel availability.

East Africa continues to face more complex conditions, with availability, logistics and supplier reliability remaining concerns in some markets. Mozambique and Kenya remain important supply locations, but continued investment and greater regulatory certainty will be central to longer-term development.

In Southern Africa, the market remains stable but constrained. Algoa Bay continues to represent a significant missed opportunity, with regulatory restrictions limiting offshore bunkering activity. 

Some vessel traffic has shifted towards alternative locations, including Mauritius, which continues to report strong bunker volumes.

At the IBIA Posidonia Drinks Reception in Athens, IBIA Chair Adrian Tolson and Executive Director Alexander Prokopakis had the opportunity to discuss the support IBIA can provide to regional industry discussions with the Premier of the Eastern Cape, South Africa, the Honourable Oscar Mabuyane.

This engagement aligns closely with the activities of the IBIA Regional Board – Africa, which continues to support discussions around South Africa’s bunkering environment and the future potential of Algoa Bay.

Across the continent, IBIA is also exploring opportunities to strengthen relationships with national and regional industry bodies, including potential engagement with the Nigerian bunker association. These discussions will focus on regulatory alignment, safety standards, infrastructure and the conditions required to support market growth.

Looking ahead

IBIA is planning an Africa-focused webinar offering practical insights into marine fuels and bunker activities across the continent.

The 2nd Annual Bunker Africa Conference 2026 will take place from 28–30 September 2026 at the Boardwalk Hotel and International Convention Centre in Gqeberha, South Africa. 

This year’s conference will be held under the theme: “An Inclusive Energy Future: Bunkering & Renewables Growth in Gqeberha.”

IBIA will also support Maritime Week Africa in January 2027, continuing its engagement with the wider African maritime community.

The IBIA Regional Board – Africa and the Secretariat look forward to supporting initiatives that strengthen Africa’s bunker and marine fuels sector. We welcome approaches from organisations seeking engagement, collaboration or industry support.

Photo credit: International Bunker Industry Association
Published: 15 September, 2026

The International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA) on Thursday (10 September) strongly condemned attacks against commercial shipping, following recent incidents affecting commercial shipping, including within the bunkering community in the last 24 hours. 

IBIA said the attacks have resulted in the tragic loss of seafarers’ lives and left others injured or missing. 

Yesterday, Manifold Times reported marine fuels supplier Peninsula confirming that its bunker tanker Hercules Star was involved in an incident whilst at anchorage off Dubai. The company also confirmed one fatality and one member of crew missing, with a specialist team working to locate them. 

The association said it stands with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the wider maritime community in calling for greater protection of seafarers and an immediate end to attacks on merchant vessels.

“On behalf of its Global Board and Secretariat, IBIA expresses its deepest sorrow for all those affected and extends its heartfelt condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the victims,” IBIA said. 

“These incidents are a tragic reminder that innocent seafarers continue to bear the human cost of geopolitical conflicts. Seafarers are civilians carrying out an essential service to the global economy and should never become victims of violence.”

IBIA’s Board called on governments and the international community to take decisive action to prevent further loss of life, protect freedom of navigation, safeguard global trade and uphold international law.

Alexander Prokopakis, Executive Director of IBIA, said: “Too often, seafarers become the forgotten victims of geopolitical conflicts in which they play no part.  

“I fully agree with IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez that attacks on innocent seafarers and civilian shipping are totally unacceptable. The men and women serving at sea are not involved in these disputes. They are delivering energy, food and essential goods that keep economies and societies functioning.

“Seafarers deserve protection, respect and the ability to do their jobs without becoming targets.”

Related: Peninsula confirms one fatality, crew member missing from bunker tanker “Hercules Star”

Photo credit: International Bunker Industry Association
Published: 11 September, 2026

The International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA) on Tuesday (8 September) announced that it has joined the newly launched UK Alternative Maritime Fuels Coalition, a collaborative industry initiative aimed at accelerating access to alternative maritime fuels and supporting the shipping sector’s transition to net zero.

Facilitated by the UK Chamber of Shipping and Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the coalition brings together shipowners, fuel suppliers, fuel producers, maritime technology developers and industry associations from across the maritime value chain.

The coalition has been established to address one of the most significant challenges facing shipping’s decarbonisation journey: ensuring that the fuels, infrastructure, investment and policy frameworks required for the energy transition are developed at the pace and scale needed.

IBIA joins a diverse group of organisations SEA-LNG, UK Ammonia Alliance, eFuel Alliance, Carbon Capture and Storage Association, Hydrogen UK, The Anaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association (ADBA), Renewable Transport Fuel Association and MI — The Global Methanol Alliance.

Together, coalition members will work to support practical solutions that enable the production, availability and uptake of alternative marine fuels in the UK.

The objectives of the coalition include:

• Coordinate industry action to support the shipping sector’s energy transition.
• Provide evidence-based input into the UK Government’s forthcoming consultation on domestic maritime fuel regulation.
• Champion a technology-neutral approach that supports investment in alternative fuels, port infrastructure and enabling technologies.
• Call for UK ETS maritime revenues to be directed towards maritime decarbonisation, including fuel production, port infrastructure and deployment.

Note: The joint statement can be read here. 

Photo credit: International Bunker Industry Association
Published: 9 September, 2026