The International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA) has expressed profound concern following recent security incidents affecting commercial shipping and the bunkering community that resulted in tragic seafarer casualties. Highlighting that civilian crews delivering vital global energy and goods should never be impacted by geopolitical conflicts, IBIA has joined the IMO in calling for greater safeguards and protection for merchant vessels. Executive Director Alexander Prokopakis and the board are urging governments and the international community to work collaboratively to uphold freedom of navigation and safeguard lives at sea.
London, United Kingdom | September 10, 2026 – The International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA) has issued a fierce condemnation following a devastating series of security incidents affecting commercial shipping and the global bunkering community over the past 24 hours. The escalation has resulted in tragic fatalities among seafarers, with several others left injured or missing.
Speaking on behalf of the association’s Global Board and Secretariat, IBIA expressed its deepest sorrow and extended heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of the victims.
The Human Toll of Geopolitical Conflict
The association stressed that these recent tragedies serve as a grim reminder that innocent seafarers continue to absorb the ultimate human cost of escalating geopolitical conflicts. Operating as civilian workforce personnel, seafarers provide an indispensable service to the global economy and supply chains, and the association maintains they must never become targets of violence.
“Too often, seafarers become the forgotten victims of geopolitical conflicts in which they play no part,” stated Alexander Prokopakis, Executive Director of IBIA. “I fully agree with IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez that attacks on innocent seafarers and civilian shipping are totally unacceptable. The men and women serving at sea are not involved in these disputes. They are delivering energy, food, and essential goods that keep economies and societies functioning. Seafarers deserve protection, respect, and the ability to do their jobs without becoming targets.”
Call for Decisive International Action
Standing firmly alongside the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the broader maritime ecosystem, IBIA is pressing for an immediate cessation of hostilities against merchant vessels and significantly heightened safeguards for crews.
The IBIA Board is actively urging governments and the international community to implement decisive measures to:
- Prevent further loss of life at sea
- Safeguard freedom of navigation across critical global chokepoints
- Protect international trade routes and supply stability
- Uphold and enforce international maritime law
About the International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA)
Established in 1993, IBIA serves as the recognized global voice of the marine energy value chain. Representing a diverse cross-section of fuel suppliers, traders, shipowners, brokers, surveyors, port authorities, and maritime experts spanning more than 70 countries, the association champions transparency, operational quality, and high safety standards. Alongside advocating at the IMO, IBIA continues to guide the maritime sector through both operational challenges and its broader transition toward sustainable, low- and zero-carbon marine fuels.
Source: IBIA