Eugenia Benavides, Marine Fuels Director at Terpel S.A., is preparing to close a remarkable chapter of her career as she steps into retirement in January 2025. With more than four decades of dedicated service, her journey at Terpel, a leading Colombian distributor of petroleum and gas products with a presence in over five Latin American countries, has been nothing short of transformative. Through her exceptional leadership, Eugenia has made an indelible impact on the bunkering and maritime industries, leaving a legacy that has shaped the company’s success and influenced the broader sector. Her contributions have touched countless colleagues, clients, and industry partners, cementing her status as a true trailblazer in the field.
A Distinguished Career at Terpel
Eugenia’s career at Terpel spans over 40 years, where she has served in various capacities and made significant strides in the marine fuels sector. Starting in 1984, she held several roles, including sales assistant, marketing director, operations manager, and commercial manager. For the last 15 years, she focused solely on the marine business, culminating in her role as Marine Sales Director. Her leadership and expertise have been central to Terpel’s success in the bunkering industry.
Notably, Eugenia served as the legal representative during the pivotal merger between Terpel del Norte and Organización Terpel, a critical moment in the company’s history. Her contribution to the growth and development of Terpel’s marine fuels business is a testament to her dedication and vision.
A Legacy Built on Relationships and Expertise
Beyond her roles at Terpel, Eugenia has been a key figure in the wider maritime and bunkering community. She has contributed to several professional organizations, including IBIA (International Bunker Industry Association) and WISTA Colombia, where she played a vital role in shaping policy and advancing initiatives for a more sustainable and innovative future in bunkering.
Eugenia’s expertise was not confined to her company or professional circles. She was a prominent speaker at major international maritime events, including the Bunker New Orleans Conference (2000), Maritime Week Americas, and the IBIA Conventions in Cancun and Dubai. Her involvement in IBIA, where she served as a board member from 2011 to 2018, and as honorary treasurer and convention committee chair, further highlights her leadership and commitment to the global bunkering community.
Her contributions to the industry are far-reaching. Eugenia has also served on various IBIA working groups, including marketing, communication, and finance, helping to shape the direction of the association and the industry at large.
Education and Community Involvement
Born in Barranquilla, Colombia, Eugenia pursued her higher education in both Colombia and the United States. She attended Marymount College of Virginia and later earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Universidad del Norte in Colombia. Her pursuit of excellence continued as she completed a post-graduate degree in International Business Management from Universidad Javeriana, followed by further specialization in Maritime Transportation and Port Legislation at Pronaval, Colombia.
Throughout her career, Eugenia has also been actively involved in professional and community organizations, including ABSA, ACSA, Actuar Famiempresas, and the Marymount Alumni Association, among others. Her leadership and involvement in these organizations highlight her dedication to the broader maritime and business communities.
Reflections on a Remarkable Career
As Eugenia prepares for retirement, she reflects on the countless moments that have defined her career: “I carry with me unforgettable memories, invaluable lessons, moments of joy, and sadness for those no longer with us. Above all, I am deeply grateful for the friends I have made throughout my journey, friends from whom I not only learned the ins and outs of the maritime and bunker business but also gained a rich understanding of different cultures.”
Eugenia’s legacy is not just in the success she achieved but in the deep connections she forged over the years. Her ability to connect with people from all corners of the globe made her an exceptional ambassador for the maritime and bunkering sectors.
A Future of New Adventures
As Eugenia steps into retirement, her legacy within the bunkering industry remains undeniable. Her passion for the industry, her leadership, and her ability to navigate complex challenges have shaped the maritime fuels sector, making it safer, more efficient, and more sustainable.
Her retirement marks the end of an era, but it’s not the end of her contributions to the maritime and bunkering communities. Eugenia has expressed her desire to stay connected with those who have been part of her incredible journey: “I look forward to staying in contact with you, and I hope our paths will cross again in the future.”
At Bunker Market, we take this opportunity to honor Eugenia Benavides for her extraordinary career and for the profound impact she has had on the industry. Her journey serves as an inspiration to all of us in the maritime sector, reminding us that our work is not only about fuel and logistics but about the people and relationships that power the world of bunkering.
Eugenia’s retirement is not the end of her story—it is merely the beginning of a new chapter filled with new adventures. We wish her nothing but the best in this next phase of her life and hope she continues to inspire us all for many years to come.
Eugenia, thank you for everything. Your legacy will undoubtedly continue to fuel the future of the bunkering industry.
Source Terpel SA | IBIA | Eugenia Benavides