World Bunkering > News > Spring 2011 > Chief Executive's Report

Ian Adams

This is my first opportunity to wish all our members a Happy New Year and a prosperous 2011! As you will have seen in the annual report, our membership is now greater than ever before and has continued to increase through 2010 into 2011. This means that at the time of writing we have now exceeded 620, and we are still growing!

Our work at both the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the European Commission (EC) is continuing. We have submitted a paper at IMO, to the Bulk Liquids and Gases subcommittee (BLG 15), which will be held between 7-11 February. This is our response to the recent meeting of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) where there was a submission by Norway and Intertanko regarding the pre-testing of fuel. Details of the paper were circulated to members along with our intervention in October. We will continue to keep our members informed of developments.

During the same week (8-9 February) the European Commission (EC) is holding a consultation on the topic of Greenhouse Gases (GHG). IBIA has been invited to this first meeting and will also attend all future meetings during the consultation period. The reason for our interest is that the EC favours an Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) as its solution to emissions. There will be implications for the entire industry, buyers and suppliers alike, and it is important that we are represented. We shall attempt to ensure that the industry does not get into a situation where we have unworkable legislation.

IBIA will continue to support a global rather than regional solution in all aspects of legislation; however, it is equally important to engage at a regional level. Obviously, by the time you read this, both meetings will have happened so please keep a look out for an update in the IBIA E-Newsletter. With the increase in membership we are conscious that there will be increased expectations of the Secretariat. This is one of the reasons that the Board agreed earlier last year to the proposal to increase the staffing level. It has not been easy to find the right person so it is, therefore, my great pleasure to welcome Mr Kwok Fook Sing as our full time Regional Manager (Asia).

Many of you will have met Mr Chong Kam Wah, who has previously filled this post on a part-time basis. It is to Kam Wah’s credit that we now feel that we need a full-time member of staff in the Singapore office. By appointing Fook Sing on a full-time basis, we anticipate being able to provide greater support to our members in the Far East and Australasia. Contact details for the office are on the website www.ibia.net.

This year’s Annual Dinner has once again exceeded all expectations. After last year’s record attendance we took the decision to move to a new location. At the time of writing, our numbers have reached an astonishing 965 which represents an increase of 20% on last year! The venue this year, the Grosvenor House, a JW Marriott Hotel, is the biggest and most spectacular venue in London and I hope that all those who attend have a fantastic night. As you will be aware, over the last few years, we have insisted that attendees observe some basic etiquette, which has been well received by the vast majority of the attendees. As the numbers increase this becomes even more important, so hopefully we will have another great night.

In the last edition of World Bunkering we announced Barcelona as the location for this year’s Annual Convention. Barcelona is a fantastic city with a lot to offer, and we are positive that you will all be very welcome as our delegates at the 5 star Hotel Rey Carlos I, which will be the venue for the Convention. I truly hope to see as many members as possible. Whilst I realise that there are many different conferences around the world and that our members will have a limited budget for attending events, please do not forget the unique nature of the IBIA Convention and how you benefit as a member when attending. It is the only event where you as members can have a real say and input to your industry.

To this end we encourage you to contribute in the first instance, by suggesting topics and/or speakers that you want to hear. The first Convention Committee meeting will be held on Tuesday 22 February at the Naval Club, Hill Street, London. However, many of you will be reading this after that date so please send any suggestions to the Event Manager, Charlotte Egan (charlotte.egan@ibia.net).

Finally, at the AGM on Monday 21 February we will be announcing the results of the Board Elections. Whilst I obviously do not know the results, one thing I do know for certain is that two long-serving Council/ Board members will be standing down with effect from 31 March. Past Chairman Chris Fisher and Past Treasurer Angus Ogilvie have both served IBIA for many years and their contribution has been greatly appreciated.

On behalf of the Association I would like to record our thanks to both of them.

Ian Adams