IBIA Annual Convention 2025: CPN gears up to meet demand for alternative bunker fuels

The International Bunkering Industry Association (IBIA) will be hosting its flagship Annual Convention in Hong Kong at the Hong Kong Convention Exhibition & Convention Centre between 18 to 20 November 2025, as part of Hong Kong Maritime Week.

Calvin Chung, director of  Chimbusco Pan Nation shared with bunkering publication Manifold Times on how the company has grown from a prominent physical supplier in Hong Kong to a global bunker trader, its plans to enhance its biofuel capabilities and its preparations to take on other alternative bunker fuels.  

MT: CPN has been big on biofuels with many reported biofuel bunkering operations in Hong Kong- what are the next big plans for the company in bunkering?

As the first and largest biofuel supply service provider in China, we’ve built a strong foundation by leveraging Hong Kong’s strategic location and its efficient, pro-business legal framework. This enables us to source, blend, supply, and export biofuels with speed and reliability.

With continued support from our certified biofuel suppliers and valuable feedback from our long-standing customers, we see clear momentum in biofuel demand. To meet this, we’re investing in fleet enhancement, including the launch of South China’s first B100 marine biofuel tanker and expanding our biofuel-capable fleet across Southeast Asia. These steps will strengthen our trade capabilities and ensure we’re ready to support the region’s transition to cleaner marine fuels. 

MT: How did the company reach this stage of becoming the largest marine fuel supplier for traditional marine fuels and biofuels in Hong Kong?

We’ve been the largest bunker fuel supplier in Hong Kong for over 20 years, but our growth has never been about following the market— it’s about shaping it. At CPN, we don’t just respond to change, we anticipate it. Our proactive strategy, built on deep industry insight and forward planning, has allowed us to evolve continuously, becoming more efficient, reliable, and sustainable.

Today, we are not only the market leader in Hong Kong’s physical supply and China’s top marine biofuel seller—we are also one of the leading global bunker traders. In fact, our bunker business has more than doubled compared to three years ago, driven by both the continued growth of our physical supply operations and our expanding global trading capabilities. This is a position we’ve earned by staying ahead of industry trends and delivering solutions that meet the needs of shipping companies across both conventional and renewable marine fuels.

MT: What were the challenges faced by the company to reach such achievement and what were the solutions implemented?

The path to leadership is never without challenges. For us, the key has been staying close to our global client network and using their insights to guide our strategy. Whether it’s navigating regulatory shifts, managing supply chain complexities, or responding to evolving fuel demands, we’ve always prioritised agility and preparedness.

We don’t wait for change to happen; we prepare for it. This dynamic approach has enabled us to overcome obstacles quickly and effectively, ensuring we remain a trusted partner in both traditional and renewable marine fuel markets. As our global trading footprint continues to grow, we’re also working to raise awareness among our customers about the full scope of our capabilities— not just as a supplier, but as a strategic global trading partner.

 MT: What are the company’s plans for future fuels like methanol and ammonia in Hong Kong especially after signing the MoU to advance Hong Kong as green maritime fuel bunkering and trading Centre in June?

Absolutely! We are actively preparing for the next wave of marine fuels. With increasing pressure from IMO and EU regulations on carbon reduction, renewable fuels are no longer a distant future— they’re coming fast.

We’re working closely with various departments of the Hong Kong government, methanol suppliers, shipbuilders, and our customers to build a complete ecosystem for methanol bunkering. Our goal is to ensure supply readiness when the market is ready, and to position Hong Kong as a top choice for shipowners seeking renewable fuel options.

As for ammonia, we see it as a key part of the future. Once the IMO’s Green Fuel Initiative framework takes effect in 2028, we expect ammonia to be incorporated into our plans. We’re monitoring developments closely and will move decisively when the time is right.

Note: Calvin Chung will be one of the panellists in ‘Session Three: Bunker Sellers Panel’ with other leading global suppliers of marine fuel as they discuss the current state of the market and what lies ahead. Key topics of the session will include fuel quality, evolving supply dynamics, the transition to future fuels, and strategies for navigating an increasingly complex regulatory environment.

Join the Conversation

With over 300 delegates expected, the IBIA Annual Convention 2025 is set to be a defining moment for the marine fuels industry. Registration is now open via the IBIA Annual Convention website.

• Convention Overview & registration

Related: Chimbusco Pan Nation bio bunker fuel supply volume in H1 2025 surpasses 2024 total
Related: CPN and Hong Kong government to advance development of green bunker fuels

Photo credit: Chimbusco Pan Nation
Published: 7 November, 2025