edge to help and guide the industry through these difficult times.” IBIA represent all participants in the bunkering process but does he think enough bunker purchasers are involved in the association? “We have a very good mix right now with a membership that covers the whole supply chain even right down to law and media firms. But in terms of percentage, yes we are looking to increase the number of members who are bunker purchasers. Most players in the bunker industry are in fact both sellers and buyers but we would like to see end users represented more strongly within the membership,” he says. So how will IBIA develop over the next few years? Neo sees a continuing need for change. He notes: “As the industry evolves, IBIA must follow. In the longer run, I see IBIA will have to be more involved in the regulatory matters. There will be a need to consult more often with the various regulatory bodies and authorities. Then there is the question as to whether we need to regulate our own members in the future, so as to ensure a level playing field. This will be another challenge for the association moving forward.” Neo also points out that one of the issues raised by members in an IBIA survey conducted earlier this year was the need to have access to reliable and impartial information about bunkers and bunkering. He says: “Our new business plan includes provision for this service and I am looking forward to its introduction later this year as a major additional membership benefit.” This year’s Convention is in Hong Kong. Is Asia the region we will see significant expansion of IBIA? “This year’s convention in Hong Kong will certainly be interesting,” Neo observes. “If I recall correctly, this will be the second time we are holding the convention there. Hong Kong is a shipping hub for vessels trading to China.
It is the third largest container port in the world right now. We are trying to expand our China-based membership and also throughout the rest of Asia.” Neo continues: “Yes, we hope to achieve significant progress while at Hong Kong towards our goal of growing our membership base in the region. It is worth remembering, though, that the IBIA Asia branch is already doing very well at this moment, with a team of dedicated elected Ex Co members who give a lot of their free time to help organise activities and to increase membership in Asia. IBIA’s board is quite happy with way membership is increasing in the region and with the various activities underway to promote IBIA in Asia. We are arranging, seminars, forums and training courses for the Asian bunker industry. This year the Asia Branch will host the 2nd Gala Dinner in Singapore for members not able to go all the way to London for the annual dinner in February. What do you think members can get out of their IBIA membership? “Well,” Simon replies, “personally as an IBIA member since 2005, I have learnt a lot about the issues facing the industry which I would not have done had I not joined. For example, I now have a good understanding of other ports and how they run their bunker operations – something I have found out through IBIA.” “Of course, IBIA offers far more than just the formal presentations at its various events worldwide, valuable as they are. The networking that accompanies all IBIA events is unique. As well as building up our industry knowledge, we also get to know many more bunkering people – new contacts, new friends. So the message to those in bunkering who have not yet joined us is ‘Take a look, there are many exciting things going on’.”
Last year’s successful IBIA Convention was held in Dubai. This November it will be Hong Kong’s turn
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