IBIA Annual Convention 2025: IBIA Chair highlights organisation’s growth, expectations for upcoming event

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.

Constantinos Capetanakis, Chair of IBIA and Bunker Director at Star Bulk, gave bunkering publication Manifold Times an update on the organisation’s growth, industry objectives, and expectations for the upcoming convention.

MT: How has IBIA membership diversification grown since our last interview?

Since the start of my term in March 2024, IBIA has aimed to open membership to more stakeholders. Membership has grown by over 10%; new members include shipowners from many countries including Greece and there has been interest from governmental associations and institutes seeking IBIA’s technical knowledge and expertise regarding the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and other decision-making forums.

IBIA aims to represent everyone dealing directly or indirectly with maritime energy and fuels, as it is not an association for a specific sector like bunker suppliers or buyers.

MT: Which agendas and issues in bunkering will IBIA be trying to push for the last quarter of 2025 and for next year?

The primary focus for the last quarter of 2025 is IMO’s decision on the IMO Net-Zero Framework in October. IBIA’s main responsibility will be to make its full membership aware of the framework’s contents, both in theory and practice, by explaining what each party needs to do. We fully support IMO’s role and proposals.

This is crucial as it is a complicated issue as highlighted by IBIA’s Dr Edmund Hughes, former Head of Air Pollution and Energy Efficiency at the IMO, at a recent members’ meeting analysing the implications.

The second major event is the Hong Kong Convention, a significant event within the larger Hong Kong Maritime Week, which we aim for it to be very successful following previous successful IBIA conventions.

MT: IBIA has a plan to expand its influence beyond global regulator IMO; how is the progress on this agenda?

IBIA has established official relationships with world-renowned associations such as BIMCO, GCMD, MPA, Intertanko, and Intercargo, and these relationships are increasing.

Additionally, a European Regional Board has been established with the main objective of participating in discussions and being heard by port authorities in the Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp (ARA) region, the European Union, and wherever decisions are being made.

The organisation is also expanding its impact in the Americas and Africa. In Asia, its impact in Singapore is growing, and there is a strategic focus on opening into China, which is why the convention is being held in Hong Kong.

MT: What can delegates attending the upcoming IBIA Annual Convention in Hong Kong expect to take away?

Delegates can expect a very high level of speakers, presentations, panels, and marine energy industry related issues to be discussed within the panels. The event will provide significant networking opportunities, fostering an increase in their network, in a professional environment. It will also allow for interaction with other events and people participating in the Hong Kong Maritime Week.

Note: Constantinos Capetanakis will be moderating ‘Session one: Leadership Discussion​’ where he will be in conversation with one of the industry’s most prominent shipowners. This one-on-one interview will explore strategic perspectives on the future of bunkering and shipping, insights into the evolving energy landscape, and reflections on the critical role of collaboration and leadership. The session offers a rare opportunity to hear directly from two influential voices shaping the direction of the maritime fuel sector.

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

Photo credit: International Bunkering Industry Association
Published: 26 September 2025