IBIA: Getting to work on Future Fuels

by the International Bunker Industry Association
Wednesday June 2, 2021

It is my pleasure to advise that IBIA's board of directors decided to launch a new Working Group on Future Fuels and that I have been appointed as its chairman.

Shipping needs to meet the ambitions of the IMO's greenhouse gas strategy, and now is the time for the only truly international bunker association to actively participate in the formulation of an informed opinion on what is already here by way of fuels and other alternatives, what is contemplated, what is at stake and which are the numerous paths going forward.

And all this through the active and indispensable participation of IBIA's valuable members.

There can be no doubt that this topic is multifaceted and immensely important for the future of the bunker industry itself and all its stakeholders.

The Future Fuels Working Group consists of a wide range of shipping industry executives, drawn from IBIA's high-quality membership basis: bunker suppliers, bunker procurement representatives, technical experts and independent advisors, oil majors, classification society and fuel laboratory representatives, and alternative/future fuels suppliers. We have aimed for and accomplished an encompassing representation to map out in a holistic, practical and reliable way for current and projected projects.

We will focus on how the bunker industry can be proactively involved in identifying and evaluating solutions and we shall strive to become the epicentre of how IBIA's position and active input to the IMO and other international organisations is formulated.

We are already working on an all-inclusive map of fuels/options available and/or contemplated for, touching upon crucial issues such as:

  • Regulatory framework
  • Technical feasibility
  • Availability
  • Current and projected production levels and locations
  • Green production levels
  • Port infrastructure
  • Emission levels and fuels' life-cycle emissions
  • Energy content
  • Current feedstock availability
  • Operational, technical and safety parameters
  • Pricing

The aim is to incentivise dialogue, participate in the paramount discussions already under way both at the IMO and elsewhere, clarify to IBIA members -- and beyond -- the current legislative framework, the milestones ahead and the transitional hurdles that need to be first identified and then, ultimately, overcome.

IBIA's aim is to provide to the bunker industry the fullest possible picture of how the future of fuels is being shaped. All this through clearly aligned projects and reports, teamwork, respect and appreciation for the opinions expressed.

We shall be regularly publicising the Working Group's findings on IBIA's website, IBIA's official magazine World Bunkering, through IBIA's regular Members' Meetings and of course at IBIA's Conferences and Annual Convention, and the plethora of fora where IBIA participates.

We at IBIA's board of directors are proud to be working hand-in-hand with our members in the promotion of this core issue which shall profoundly affect the international bunker industry and I am personally honoured to be steering the group's discussions and deliberations.

Constantinos Capetanakis
Bunker Director - Starbulk SA
Member of IBIA's Board of Directors
Chairman of IBIA's Working Group on Future Fuels

About IBIA

IBIA

The International Bunker Industry Association exists to provide an international forum to address the concerns of all sectors of the international bunker industry.

The Association currently has over 450 organisations within its membership representing all within the marine fuel supply chain - "from the wellhead to the engine".

IBIA exists to represent the industry in discussions and negotiations with international and national policy makers, legislators and other stakeholders.

We review, clarify, improve, develop and endorse where appropriate, industry methods, practices and documentation.

Our objective is to increase the professional understanding and competence of all who work in the industry.

We represent the Marine fuels supply industry at the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).

IBIA actively seeks to involve its members through its technical work groups, regional forums and annual convention to conclude on major issues and topics of the time, creating the "IBIA Position" to present to IMO and to industry.

IBIA champions the continued development of professionals within the bunker industry through its training programmes and publications.

We provide services and facilities for members and stakeholders as the Board shall from time to time consider appropriate.

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