IBIA advances marine fuel Industry engagement with formation of European Regional Board at Annual Convention in Athens
Athens, Greece – [6 November 2024] – IBIA – The International Bunker Industry Association announced the establishment of its European Regional Board at the IBIA Annual Convention, held in Athens attended by over 250 delegates. The event, which began with opening addresses from Alexander Prokopakis, Executive Director of IBIA, and Constantinos Capetanakis, Chair of IBIA, set the stage for insightful discussions on the future of marine fuels and industry collaboration.
Distinguished keynote speakers included Christos Stylianides, Greece’s Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, and George J. Tsunis, U.S. Ambassador to the Hellenic Republic.
The IBIA Convention in Athens brought together industry leaders and specialists from across the global bunker sector, creating an unparalleled platform for knowledge exchange and forward-thinking discussions. Panels focused on emerging trends in alternative fuels, regional regulatory challenges, and the drive for environmental stewardship, fostering rich dialogue and collaboration on the industry’s most pressing issues.
Constantinos Capetanakis, IBIA Chair announced the formation of IBIA’s European Regional Board completing the association’s commitment to establishing five regional boards worldwide, which include Africa, Americas, Asia and Middle East, this reflects IBIA’s strategic focus on addressing regional issues through localised leadership. This new board will enhance cooperation within the European bunker and shipping sectors, address pressing regional challenges, and support IBIA’s mission to promote a sustainable and equitable 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.
Reflecting on her new role, Charlotte Rojgaard stated, “It is an honour to lead IBIA’s European Regional Board. 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.”
IBIA’s regional boards play a critical role in fostering local engagement, promoting best practices, and addressing region-specific concerns within a global framework. With an array of expertise, the European Board members are committed to elevating industry standards, promoting sustainability, and advancing cooperation across the sector.
About IBIA
IBIA (The International Bunker Industry Association) is the voice of the global bunker industry and represents all stakeholders across the industry value chain. Our membership includes ship owners/operators, bunker suppliers, traders, brokers, barging companies, storage companies, surveyors, port authorities, credit reporting companies, lawyers, P&I clubs, equipment manufacturers, shipping journalists and marine consultants. Formed in 1992, today we have members in more than 80 countries.
IBIA promotes improved standards, knowledge and understanding in the industry. We do this through a variety of events and courses, engaging in working groups, by disseminating reliable and accurate information and offering practical advice where we can. We also lobby for effective, pragmatic and workable regulations. One of the most important arenas for that is at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) where IBIA has consultative status as a non-governmental organisation. IBIA attends all meetings of the IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC), the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) and a number of Sub-Committees.
