As his two-year tenure as IBIA Chair concludes, Constantinos Capetanakis highlights the association’s surge in regulatory influence and membership diversity. While stepping down as Chair, Capetanakis will remain a pivotal force, leading the Future Fuels and newly formed Bunker Buyers’ Working Groups.
A Tenure Defined by Action, Not Slogans
London | April 1, 2026 – As Constantinos Capetanakis concludes his non-renewable two-year term as Chair of the International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA), he leaves behind an organization that has fundamentally shifted its weight in the maritime world.
Under his leadership, IBIA moved beyond being a representative body to becoming a core fixture in global decision-making forums, most notably at the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Capetanakis’s tenure was defined by a rejection of “industry slogans” in favor of tangible, practical solutions that bridge the gap between policy and the bunker barge.
“What our sector needs is not slogans, but practical solutions which can be applied across the full shipping chain, from terminal to bunker barge, from office to decision-making centres, and on board our vessels,” Capetanakis stated in a reflection on his departure.
The Architect of Inclusivity
One of the most significant hallmarks of the Capetanakis era has been the radical diversification of IBIA’s membership. By focusing on the “full marine energy value chain,” he successfully integrated shipowners, energy majors, and technical experts into a unified dialogue.
Perhaps his most enduring contribution is the Bunker Buyers’ Working Group, an initiative he personally spearheaded. This group was designed to ensure that fuel end-users have a structured, powerful voice in an industry often dominated by supply-side concerns.
The Work Continues: A Strategic Shift in Role
While Adrian Tolson takes over the Chairmanship, Capetanakis is not exiting the stage. In a move that ensures continuity during the energy transition, he will remain on the Global Board and the Executive Committee.
His future focus will be pinpointed on the industry’s most pressing technical challenges:
- Chairing the Future Fuels Working Group: Navigating the transition to methanol, ammonia, and hydrogen.
- Coordinating the Bunker Buyers’ Working Group: Strengthening the voice of the shipowner and fuel purchaser.
Refining the IBIA Mission
Reflecting on the association’s growth, Capetanakis emphasized that IBIA’s relevance stems from its unique position as the only association representing every link in the marine energy chain.
“The strength of our association lies in the energy and engagement of its people,” Capetanakis noted. “I intend to continue having an active role in shaping IBIA’s direction.”
As the industry faces the daunting task of decarbonization, the foundation laid over the last two years provides a stable platform for the incoming leadership to build upon.
A Pedigree of Law and Ownership
To understand the impact of Constantinos Capetanakis’s chairmanship, one must look at the diverse expertise he brought to the table. A dual-qualified Greek lawyer and English solicitor, Capetanakis’s career was forged in the high-stakes environments of Holman Fenwick & Willan and as Legal Counsel for the NYSE-listed Excel Maritime Carriers.
His perspective is uniquely “all-encompassing,” having spent nearly a decade as a shareholder and Director of his family’s firm, Quantum Shipping Ltd., before taking the reins of bunker procurement and strategy at Star Bulk in 2019. This rare combination of legal precision and shipowner pragmatism became the hallmark of his leadership at IBIA.
IBIA in Brief
The International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA) is the authoritative voice of the global bunker industry, representing all sectors and stakeholders across the marine fuels value chain.
- Founded: 1993
- Membership: Shipowners, charterers, bunker suppliers, traders, brokers, ports, regulators, service providers, and marine energy industry stakeholders worldwide.
- Mission & Role:
- Foster collaboration and professionalism across the industry
- Promote education and best practices
- Uphold high standards of conduct
- Provide a platform for discussion, guidance, and advocacy
- Engagement: Actively participates with other industry bodies, national and international policymakers, and legislators, including the International Maritime Organization (IMO), where IBIA holds consultative NGO status
- Global Forum: Offers a comprehensive platform to address challenges and opportunities in the bunker industry, ensuring the industry’s voice influences the future of marine fuels and maritime regulation
- Offices: UK, South Africa, Singapore
Source: Constantinos Capetanakis | IBIA