World Bunkering > News > Spring 2009 > Chairman's introduction

Fritz Fredriksen

In the United States, a new president was recently elected on the strength of, among other things, his perceived ability to change things for the better; indeed, the new presidency has become synonymous with change. And here at IBIA, although we move in slightly less exalted company, we too have become synonymous with change and with change, moreover, for the better.

As I approach the conclusion of my term of office, and prepare to hand over the responsibilities of the chairmanship to the capable stewardship of Chris Fisher, it is astonishing to reflect just how much change we have witnessed in the bunker industry during the past two years. Not all of it has been for the better, but IBIA has consistently responded in a way designed to achieve the best possible solutions for the industry to problems created by the need for change. These have been changing times, indeed, characterised by changes in demands, changes in tactics, changes in price levels and, last but not least, changes at IBIA.

Bunkering has faced unprecedented challenges on commercial, technical, environmental and regulatory levels over the past two years. We have seen the introduction of SECAs in strategic shipping areas in Europe, and prepared the ground for the introduction of still more, elsewhere. We have witnessed the truly historic approval of proposed amendments to the MARPOL Annex VI regulations to reduce harmful emissions from ships, which IBIA has welcomed, with certain reservations, as a sensible, goal-based approach secured in the face of calls for other, more reactionary and arguably less effective solutions.

All these developments, and more, have played out against a dramatically changing economic backdrop. In fact, it took only five months for the price of oil to drop from $150 to just $40 a barrel at the end of last year, as the worldwide credit crunch really started to do its worst. Everybody is under financial pressure, and credit lines are a major issue for many in our industry. The markets are still very volatile, and it would be a brave person who would dare to predict what is likely to happen over the next 12 months.

IBIA cannot solve the problems of volatility, or of commercial difficulties brought about by a worldwide recession. But what it can do, and what I am proud to say it has done consistently throughout the past two years, and indeed throughout its history, is to represent the interests of the global bunker community at the important negotiating forums where the decisions are framed which will dictate the future conduct of our industry.

IBIA is fortunate to have a dedicated and hard-working executive, secretariat and council committed not only to ensuring that the membership has a say in the decisions which will shape its future but also a chance to further its reputation as an expert, efficient industry with a strong safety and service ethic which recognises its wider environmental responsibilities. That is why, while the price of oil has been going up and down like a fiddler’s elbow, and while new environmental regulations have started to change the world bunkering map, IBIA has continued to protect the basics on which its foundations are built.

People are the bunkering industry’s greatest strength, and IBIA wants to ensure that it attracts and retains the best people. That is why it places a strong emphasis on training and education, and runs a series of basic and advanced courses covering both technical and operational matters. And that is why IBIA always places a strong emphasis on the need to maintain best practice in the bunkering industry.

Looking back on my term of office, I also feel privileged to have been on watch when IBIA secured the unanimous agreement of its members to implement a new constitution by approving a revised Memorandum and Articles of Association. In this way we are aiming to be more dynamic in terms of responding to the changing commercial environment within which IBIA and its members operate. It is important to move with the times, and to embrace change where necessary and appropriate. We have listened to our members, and what we are seeing now is the start of a process which will position IBIA as the undisputed representative body of choice for all suppliers and consumers of marine fuels who put quality and best practice at the heart of their operational ethos.

It is with obvious regret, but nevertheless much satisfaction, that I contemplate the end of my chairmanship. I am greatly indebted to the IBIA executive, secretariat and council for their unfailing support throughout the past two years. I know that my successor, Chris Fisher, is an extremely popular choice with the membership. IBIA is in highly experienced, dedicated and talented hands as it embarks on its bright new future. I wish Chris every success, and promise him my full support, in his new role.

Fritz Fredriksen