The International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA) has appointed Caroline Yang, CEO of Hong Lam Marine and former Singapore Shipping Association President, as the new Chair of its Asia Regional Board. Bringing over 30 years of maritime, legal, and operational expertise, Yang will lead the association’s strategic growth, digital bunkering adoption, and clean fuel transitions across the vital Asian market.
Singapore | June 1, 2026 – The International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA) has officially announced the appointment of Caroline Yang as the new Chair of the IBIA Regional Board – Asia, effective immediately.
Caroline Yang, the Chief Executive Officer of Hong Lam Marine and a prominent figure in Asian maritime leadership, steps into the role at a critical juncture. Her appointment brings a powerful and experienced voice from both the ship-owning and legal sectors, reinforcing IBIA’s commitment to robust governance and strong regional representation across the Asian marine fuel supply chain.
Decades of Elite Maritime Leadership
Caroline Yang brings more than 30 years of deeply rooted executive experience across the shipping, bunkering, and legal sectors. As the head of Hong Lam Marine, one of Singapore’s most prominent bunker tanker operators, she possesses unmatched operational insight into the physical bunker supply, logistics, and safety standards of the bunkering industry.
Her leadership extends across major industry bodies, including her influential tenure as President of the Singapore Shipping Association (SSA), where she heavily championed maritime decarbonization, digitalization, and talent development.
Driving Decarbonization and Regulatory Alignment
Yang’s strategic oversight is expected to accelerate Asia’s transition toward sustainable marine fuels. Her extensive background equips her to guide the regional board through complex regulatory shifts, including:
- Alternative Fuel Infrastructure: Expanding Asia’s readiness for multi-fuel bunkering, including biofuel blends, LNG, methanol, and ammonia.
- Decarbonization Standards: Aligning regional operations with evolving International Maritime Organization (IMO) greenhouse gas reduction targets.
- Digitalization & Transparency: Promoting the adoption of Electronic Bunker Delivery Notes (e-BDNs) and digital bunkering workflows to enhance governance and combat fraud.
Fortifying Regional Governance
The appointment reflects IBIA’s strategic focus on rotational governance and ensuring that key hub regions are led by top-tier industry veterans. As Asia, anchored by Singapore, remains the world’s largest bunkering market by volume, Yang’s legal background and operational expertise offer a steady hand to steer the association’s regional initiatives.
Alexander Prokopakis, IBIA Executive Director, welcomed the appointment:
“We are absolutely delighted to welcome Caroline Yang as the Chair of the IBIA Asia Regional Board. Her profound understanding of the shipping industry, combined with her proven leadership in maritime governance, makes her the ideal person to advance IBIA’s mission in Asia. I look forward to working closely with her to deliver greater value, transparency, and support to our members across this vital region.”
“I would also like to sincerely thank Capt. Rahul Choudhuri for his leadership and commitment over the past years, and for his continued support to the Association” said Alexander.
Caroline Yang’s Vision for IBIA Asia
Following her appointment, Caroline Yang shared her outlook on leading the regional board:
“I am deeply honored to take on the role of Chair for the IBIA Asia Regional Board. I want to express my sincere gratitude to the IBIA Global Board for their trust and confidence in my leadership.”
“As the bunker industry undergoes a profound transformation driven by decarbonization and digital evolution, Asia plays a pivotal role in shaping the global maritime landscape. I look forward to working collaboratively with our board members, industry stakeholders, and IBIA’s global leadership to amplify our regional voice, champion sustainable and transparent bunkering practices, and support our members through these historic industry transitions.”
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: Caroline Yang | International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA)