The International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA) has strategically expanded its Asia Regional Board with the high-profile appointments of Caroline Yang, Diana Mok, and François-Xavier Accard. This infusion of legal, operational, and ship-owner expertise is designed to amplify Asia’s influence within IBIA’s global governance as the region navigates the complexities of decarbonization and evolving fuel regulations.
London, Singapore | May 1, 2026 – In a strategic move to reinforce its presence in the world’s most dynamic bunkering hub, the International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA) has officially announced the appointment of three new members to its Asia Regional Board.
The appointments of Caroline Yang, Diana Mok, and François-Xavier Accard, unanimously endorsed by the IBIA Global Board, mark a significant deepening of the association’s regional expertise as the maritime industry navigates a complex transition toward decarbonization and digital transparency.
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The Strategic Mandate: Bridging Local Needs and Global Governance
The IBIA Asia Regional Board serves as a critical conduit, ensuring that the unique perspectives of the Asian bunker and marine fuels market are integrated into the organization’s overarching global framework.
As the industry faces a tightening regulatory environment and the emergence of alternative marine energies, the Board’s mission is focused on three pillars:
- Regional Development: Supporting the growth of sustainable bunkering infrastructure.
- Training & Standards: Elevating the technical proficiency of the regional workforce.
- Networking: Facilitating the high-level dialogue necessary to harmonize local priorities with global mandates.
Profile of Excellence: The New Board Members
Caroline Yang – Chief Executive Officer, Hong Lam Marine Pte Ltd
With over three decades of legal and operational expertise, Caroline Yang is a titan of the Singaporean maritime scene.
- POE: She joined Hong Lam Marine as in-house counsel in 1991, rising to Executive Director in 2002 and eventually CEO. An LL.B. (Hons) from the University of London and a BA (Hons) from the National University of Singapore. She was called to the Bars of England & Wales (1992) and Singapore (1995). Her influence extends across the sector, having served as President of the Singapore Shipping Association (SSA) and holding board positions with the MPA and Singapore Maritime Foundation. She currently serves as Vice-Chair of the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS).
Diana Mok – Managing Director, Fratelli Cosulich Bunkers (S) Pte Ltd
A veteran of the physical supply and trading markets since 1994, Mok brings “boots-on-the-ground” operational depth to the Board.
- POE: After 15 years with Ignition Point and Seven Seas, followed by a tenure at Chimbusco, she joined Fratelli Cosulich in 2015. Mok is a key figure in the development of Singapore’s bunkering standards, working with the SCIC on the implementation of Mass Flow Meters (MFM) and the transition to electronic documentation (e-BDNs).
François-Xavier Accard – Managing Director, CMA CGM International Shipping Company Pte Ltd
Accard provides the vital “ship-owner” perspective, overseeing the safety and operational efficiency of the CMA CGM Group’s extensive Singapore fleet.
- POE: His expertise lies in fleet performance and commercial optimization. Formerly Head of Fleet Operations at Bourbon Subsea Services, he holds a degree in Naval Architecture and Offshore Engineering from ENSTA Bretagne. His role is pivotal in understanding how fuel quality and availability impact large-scale carrier operations.
Voice of the Industry: Strengthening the Regional Hub
Capt Rahul Choudhuri, Chair of the IBIA Asia Regional Board, emphasized the diversity of the new appointments “We are delighted to welcome Caroline, Diana, and François. They each bring a wealth of knowledge that will strengthen our ability to represent Asia’s diverse marine fuels industry. Their expertise will be invaluable as we address regional challenges while ensuring Asian perspectives are heard at the global level.”
Alexander Prokopakis, Executive Director of IBIA, highlighted the regional commitment “The addition of these leaders underscores our commitment to supporting Asia’s marine energy sector. Their leadership will enhance the value we deliver to members and strengthen the region’s voice in shaping the industry’s future.”
Honoring a Legacy of Service
The transition comes as IBIA bids farewell to two stalwarts of the Asian maritime community. Prokopakis expressed “sincere gratitude” to Lim Teck Cheng Executive Chairman, Hong Lam Marine and Danny Chua Senior Partner, Joseph Tan Jude Benny LLP for their decades of commitment. Their contributions were cited as foundational to the growth of IBIA Asia and its current standing within the global marine energy community.
The Road Ahead
As the bunkering industry enters a year of intense scrutiny regarding carbon intensity and fuel transparency, the newly constituted board is expected to take a proactive stance. By leveraging the deep-seated regional expertise of Yang, Mok, and Accard, IBIA is positioning itself to not only react to global initiatives but to actively drive them from the heart of the world’s premier bunkering port.
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: IBIA