The International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA) will host its 2026 Annual Convention from 10–12 November at the New York Marriott Downtown, gathering global marine energy leaders to address regulation, alternative fuels, and decarbonisation. Featuring keynote perspectives from government and industry heavyweights such as the U.S. Federal Maritime Commission, Shell Marine, and Clarksons Research, the event will place a special strategic focus on the growing influence of North and Latin American bunker market. Alongside high-level technical sessions and networking opportunities, the three-day convention offers industry stakeholders a premier platform for collaboration, commercial engagement, and shaping the future of maritime sustainability.
London and New York | September 3, 2026 – The International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA) is set to anchor the global maritime and marine fuel sector’s calendar this autumn, convening industry executives, policymakers, and technical experts for its flagship Annual Convention 2026. Scheduled for 10–12 November at the New York Marriott Downtown, the three-day event arrives at a critical juncture as shipping accelerates its journey through regulatory disruption, technological evolution, and deep decarbonisation.
Navigating an Era of Unprecedented Change
The marine fuels sector is currently facing a complex matrix of operational pressures, ranging from tightening environmental compliance and alternative fuel adoption to shifting geopolitical trade routes. IBIA’s 2026 programme is engineered to tackle these challenges head-on through targeted discussions, high-level policy panels, and collaborative workshops.
Core themes slated for the New York agenda include:
- Regulation and Policy: Deconstructing evolving global frameworks, including developments at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and regional mandates.
- Alternative Fuels & Fuel Quality: Assessing the scaling, safety, and supply infrastructure for low- and zero-carbon marine energies alongside rigorous fuel quality standards.
- Digitalisation and AI: Exploring how data-driven analytics, automation, and artificial intelligence are optimising bunker procurement, voyage management, and emissions tracking.
- Market Developments & Energy Transition: Analyzing macro-economic shifts, bunker pricing dynamics, and long-term capital allocation for sustainable shipping.
High-Calibre Leadership Lineup
The Convention features an elite roster of senior figures drawn from both government oversight and commercial marine leadership. Confirmed key speakers include:
- Laura DiBella, Chair of the U.S. Federal Maritime Commission
- Sydney Plante, U.S. Maritime Administration
- Houda Dabboussi, President of Shell Marine
- Stephen Gordon, Managing Director of Clarksons Research
“The industry is navigating a period of unprecedented change,” said Alexander Prokopakis, Executive Director of IBIA. “This Convention will bring together the people shaping that change, creating an opportunity for open dialogue, practical insight and collaboration across the marine energy value chain.”
Spotlight on the Americas
A defining pillar of the 2026 agenda is its dedicated focus on the expanding strategic footprint of North and Latin American markets within the global bunker framework. As regional production hubs emerge and trade flows adapt, the Convention offers a dedicated platform to bridge local market realities with international supply networks.
Adrian Tolson, Chair of IBIA, emphasized the geopolitical and logistical significance of the venue selection: “The Americas are playing an increasingly influential role in the future of global marine energy. New York provides an ideal setting to bring together global and regional leaders to discuss different perspectives, opportunities and the challenges ahead.”
Echoing this sentiment, Frank Dahan, Regional Board Chair – Americas, noted: “There is tremendous momentum across the Americas, and we look forward to giving the region a strong voice while connecting its markets with the wider global bunker community.”
Networking and Strategic Partnerships
Beyond the plenary sessions and technical panels, the event is structured to foster deep commercial engagement. Attendees will have access to extensive networking formats, anchored by an official Welcome Reception and the Convention Dinner.
For organizations looking to elevate their market presence, the Convention offers tailored sponsorship and partnership packages designed to position brands directly in front of senior decision-makers, shipowners, traders, and key stakeholders from across the international marine energy ecosystem.
Event Details & Registration
- Dates: 10–12 November 2026
- Venue: New York Marriott Downtown, New York, USA
- General Enquiries & Registration: ibia(at)ibia.net
- Sponsorship Opportunities: Contact Alex Corboude at alex(at)worldbunkering.net
About IBIA
Established in 1993, the International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA) serves as the unified global voice for the marine energy value chain. Representing a diverse membership across more than 70 countries, encompassing fuel suppliers, traders, shipowners, brokers, surveyors, port authorities, and maritime professionals, IBIA champions transparency, rigorous operational standards, and best practices. Through active advocacy at the IMO, alongside comprehensive global training programmes, networking events, and specialist working groups, IBIA continues to drive safe, sustainable, and commercially viable solutions for the future of marine energy.
Source: IBIA