The International Bunker and Industry Association (IBIA) on Wednesday (6 November) announced the formation of its European Regional Board, marking the completion of the association’s commitment to establish five regional boards globally. 

IBIA said the new board will play a vital role in fostering collaboration across the European bunker and shipping industry, addressing key regional issues, and supporting IBIA’s mission to promote a fair and sustainable marine fuel landscape.

The European Regional Board will be chaired by Charlotte Rojgaard, Global Marine Fuels Director at Bureau Veritas Verifuel.

She will be joined by influential industry leaders: John Stirling, Director of Marine Technical at World Fuel Services; Kenneth Juhls, Managing Director at ZeroNorth Bunker; Andrea Realfonzo from Grimaldi Group’s Corporate Bunker & Chartering Department; Sofia Furstenberg Stott, Partner at Furstenberg Maritime Advisory; Peter Grunwaldt, Vice President at Hafnia; Jan Christensen, Senior Director, Fuels, Lubricants & Chemicals, Hapag-Lloyd AG and Capt John Ghio, CEO & Captain of the Port, Gibraltar.

Charlotte Rojgaard said: “It is an honour to lead IBIA’s European Regional Board, where we have a unique opportunity to drive meaningful progress on issues specific to Europe’s diverse and dynamic bunker industry.”

“With this team, we are well-equipped to tackle both today’s challenges and tomorrow’s opportunities in marine fuels and environmental stewardship.”

Related: IBIA supports local needs with the forming of Regional Boards

Photo credit: International Bunker and Industry Association
Published: 8 November, 2024

The International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA) on Friday (25 October) said it is arranging an election to replace board members whose term will be ending on 31 March 2025. 

IBIA added there will be four vacancies and these elections are an opportunity for IBIA members to seek election to the board and take part in the running of the Association.

“Members of IBIA are invited to propose candidates for election who in their opinion will make a meaningful contribution to the running of the Association,” the association said on its website. 

“Prospective Board Members should be aware that being a Board Member is not just a titular position; they are expected to take an active part in the activities of the Association.”

Candidates for the election to the Board must:

•       Consent to stand for election
•       Be paid-up members of the Association
•       Be proposed and seconded by paid-up Members of the Association
•       Complete and return the nomination form

Completed forms must be delivered to the Secretariat no later than Friday 13 December 2024 via email to [email protected].

Nominations received after the closing date will not be accepted.

Here are copies of the Responsibilities of IBIA Board Members and to download the nomination form click: IBIA Board Election Nomination Form.

Note: Copies of the Responsibilities of IBIA Board Members can be found here and the IBIA Board Election Nomination Form can be downloaded here. Prospective candidates should also look at the Bye-Laws, particularly Sections 12-15.

Photo credit: International Bunker Industry Association
Published: 28 October 2024

INTERCARGO, the International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners, on Monday (23 September) called on the International Maritime Organization (IMO) for a straightforward mid-term GHG reduction strategy in the industry's decarbonisation efforts. 

The association emphasised the critical need for practicable solutions to ensure effective implementation of emissions reduction strategies.

Key Points:

• Support for Integrated Framework: INTERCARGO endorses in principle the updated joint proposal by Bahamas, Liberia, and the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) for an “IMO net-zero framework.”
• Simplified Pricing Mechanism: Backing a flat-rate contribution per tonne of GHG emitted, with incentives for zero and near-zero GHG fuel usage.
• Predictability for Stakeholders: Advocating for fixed annual GHG fees over minimum five-year periods.
• Well-to-Wake Approach: Supporting a comprehensive emissions accounting system while addressing concerns about upstream emissions beyond shipping's control.
• Cautious Approach to Decarbonisation Fund: Highlighting the need for thorough review of legal issues and alignment with UN climate fund principles.
• Fair Cost Distribution: Endorsing the principle that charterers or commercial operators, as fuel cost bearers, should also cover GHG fees and compliance costs.
• Reduced Administrative Burden: Calling for streamlined processes, especially for dry bulk tramp shipping facing global compliance challenges in accessing safely green energy sources in ports around the world.

“The path to shipping's decarbonisation must be paved with practical, implementable solutions,” said INTERCARGO’s Secretary General Kostas Gkonis. 

“Our support for these measures reflects our sector’s commitment to environmental responsibility whilst maintaining operational efficiency and smooth global transportation of essential goods.”

INTERCARGO stressed the importance of global governmental action and cross-stakeholder collaboration throughout the maritime transport chain to achieve these ambitious goals.

Photo credit: Chris Pagan on Unsplash
Published: 24 September, 2024