The International Bunker Industry Association will host a high-level reception at the South African Embassy’s Official Residence in Athens on 31 May 2026 during Posidonia week, bringing together global bunker, shipping, maritime and energy industry stakeholders. The event, supported by several marine energy companies and attended by diplomats and industry leaders, aims to strengthen international collaboration and highlight the growing strategic importance of bunkering and marine energy in the future of shipping.
London | May 19, 2026 – The International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA) has announced that it will host an exclusive industry reception on Sunday, 31 May 2026, at the Official Residence of the South African Embassy in Athens, bringing together leading stakeholders from across the global bunker, shipping, maritime and marine energy sectors during Posidonia week.
The reception is expected to serve as a key networking and relationship-building event ahead of Posidonia, one of the world’s most influential international maritime exhibitions and conferences. Industry executives, bunker suppliers, traders, shipowners, brokers, marine fuel professionals, diplomats, and senior maritime stakeholders are anticipated to attend the gathering, underscoring the increasingly strategic role of marine energy within the global shipping landscape.
Strategic Gathering During Posidonia Week
According to IBIA, the event will provide an important opportunity for members of the international bunker and marine fuels community to reconnect with industry colleagues, establish new business relationships, and strengthen collaboration across the wider shipping and energy value chain.
The association noted that ambassadors and members of the diplomatic corps are also expected to attend the reception, highlighting both the global nature of the marine fuels industry and the growing geopolitical importance of maritime energy, logistics, shipping decarbonisation and international trade cooperation.
The reception is being supported by several companies active within the bunker and marine energy markets, including:
- Scandi Trading
- Agataz
- Coral
- Eleven Energy
- Flex Commodities
IBIA Chair Highlights Importance of Industry Collaboration
Commenting on the upcoming reception, Adrian Tolson, Chair of IBIA, emphasized the association’s commitment to strengthening engagement with decision-makers shaping the future of marine energy and bunkering.
“We are firmly committed to expanding IBIA’s presence across the key decision-makers shaping the future of the marine energy sector,” said Tolson. “It is through the active involvement of our members and the strength of our collaboration that this industry can truly influence its direction of growth.”
Tolson further stressed the growing significance of bunkering within the evolving maritime energy transition and noted the strategic importance of maintaining a strong industry presence during Posidonia.
“With bunkering playing an increasingly central role in the future of shipping, it is important for IBIA to have a strong presence at Posidonia, one of the industry’s leading global gatherings,” he stated.
Tolson also expressed appreciation to the South African diplomatic mission in Greece for hosting the event.
“I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to the Ambassador of the Republic of South Africa for her warm hospitality, and for kindly hosting this upcoming gathering,” he added.
South Africa Highlights Maritime Investment and Strategic Position
Dr. Lindiwe Msengana-Ndlela, Ambassador of South Africa to the Hellenic Republic, said the event reflects growing cooperation between the South African maritime sector and international marine energy stakeholders.
“South Africa rests between major ocean routes, the Indian and the Atlantic Oceans, as well as the South Sea routes to the Antarctic,” said Ambassador Msengana-Ndlela. “Maximizing our strategic location, South Africa has been building a diverse and investor friendly maritime economy, with priority investments in port logistics, energy, shipbuilding, shipping, and renewable energy sectors.”
The Ambassador further highlighted the relationship established between the South African Embassy in Athens and IBIA through its Chair Adrian Tolson.
“We value the partnership that our Embassy in Athens has established with IBIA, through the Chair, Adrian Tolson and look forward to hosting the 2026 Posidonia Reception in the gardens of South Africa’s Official Residence,” Ambassador Msengana-Ndlela said.
Bunkering Sector Increasingly Central to Shipping Transition
The reception comes at a time when the global marine fuels industry is undergoing significant transformation amid tightening environmental regulations, shipping decarbonisation targets, and increasing investment in alternative marine fuels and energy solutions.
Industry stakeholders attending Posidonia are expected to discuss developments surrounding conventional bunker fuels, LNG bunkering, biofuels, methanol, ammonia, infrastructure investment, fuel quality standards, emissions reduction strategies, and maritime energy security.
IBIA has continued to play a prominent role in representing the marine energy value chain during this transition, particularly through its advocacy work at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and its engagement with regulators, shipowners, fuel suppliers and energy stakeholders worldwide.
South African Embassy Strengthening Maritime Partnerships
The South African Embassy’s maritime initiatives focus on strengthening collaboration between Greece’s maritime sector and South Africa’s growing maritime economy. Areas of cooperation include maritime higher education and training, cadetship programmes, maritime employment, research and innovation, maritime administration, marine manufacturing, shipping decarbonisation and new business development opportunities within the broader maritime and energy sectors.
IBIA: Driving Standards and Transition Across Global Bunkering
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: International Bunker Industry Association