18th November 2015
IBIA announces Gibraltar as location for IBIA Convention 2016
Client news
The International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA) – the voice of the suppliers and end users of marine fuel - has announced that it will be holding its annual industry-wide convention, in Gibraltar from the 8th-11th November 2016.
The association’s international annual gathering will be held in conjunction with HM Government of Gibraltar and the Gibraltar Port Authority, following the successful IBIA Regional Forum held there in February this year.
IBIA Chief Executive Peter Hall said: “Gibraltar, Algeciras, Tanger Med and Ceuta together handle the vast majority of the bunkering in the Mediterranean – making it an excellent location for our biggest annual event.
“The area is home to numerous bunker suppliers with more than 70,000 vessels passing through the Strait of Gibraltar each year. The ports are ideally placed for vessels to refuel with minimal deviation from the main north/south and east/west shipping routes, a vital priority in an industry where time is money and time spent alongside must be minimised.
“Our decision to hold the annual convention in Gibraltar follows our successful event there earlier this year, and with the support and partnership of the Gibraltar Port Authority and HM Government of Gibraltar, we believe that this will be our most successful and productive convention yet.”
Gibraltar’s Minister for Shipping, the Hon Albert Isola added that ‘this is a real feather in Gibraltar’s cap. It clearly demonstrates the good work that the Gibraltar Port Authority is doing in promoting our services and the solid reputation that our Port enjoys globally, widely regarded as the premier centre of excellence for bunkering services in the Mediterranean by its peers and partners’.
He added that ‘this event will allow the GPA and its bunkering partners to showcase what they do here. The Government is fully supportive of holding such prestigious and high profile events in Gibraltar, once again highlighting our commitment to continue developing the Port as an important contributor to our economic growth’.
The 2015 IBIA Convention was held in Cancun Mexico in November, and attracted more than 100 delegates. The discussions covered the most important issues and forthcoming regulatory challenges for the industry and ran alongside tailored industry training. The 2016 convention will be managed by IBIA’s contractor Petrospot.
Since its conception in 1992, IBIA has expanded steadily with a worldwide membership comprising ship-owners, charterers, bunker suppliers, traders, brokers, storage companies, surveyors, port authorities, lawyers, P&I clubs, equipment manufacturers, shipping journalists and marine consultants. Today membership stands at over 750 members from 70 countries.
ENDS
For further details please contact Claire Sneddon, email: csneddon@navigatepr.com, tel: +44 (0) 203 326 8459. Photographs are available on request.
About IBIA
The International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA) exists to provide an international forum to address the concerns of all sectors of the international bunker industry; to represent the industry in discussions and negotiations with national and international policy makers, legislators and other groups and bodies; to review, clarify, improve, develop and endorse where appropriate, industry methods, practices and documentation; to increase the professional understanding and competence of all who work in the industry; to provide services and facilities for members and others as the Board shall from time to time consider appropriate.
IBIA gained consultative status with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) in November 2005 and is represented at all relevant meetings.
IBIA actively seeks to involve is members through its Annual Convention by educating and motivating members to conclude on major issues and topics of the time, creating the “IBIA Position” to present to IMO.
IBIA champions the continued development of professionals within the bunker industry through its Bunker Courses and its Bunker Cargo Officer qualification.