Eleni Charalambous from Ocean Connect and George N. Eliopoulos from Seaview Shipping & Trading, during he sailing tour on Bosporus.
In beautiful Istanbul the 6th International Istanbul Bunker Conference took place between the 5th and 7th of June. This bunkers conference was hosted very successfully from TBS. TBS is a physical supplier in Turkey with worldwide presence. Attendance was 198 people (registered) which most probably was due to the episodes taking place Turkey. Overall and despite these demo events, the Conference was successful as there were very interesting subjects/topics presented and discussed.
A lot of social happenings too, including drinks, dinners, lunches and boat trips in the majestic Bosporus Straits, as well as visits to both… Continents…
The Conference Chairman was Mustafa Muhtaroglu, and on the first day, the 5th of June, in the early hours of a lovely evening the Opening Cocktail ‘Welcome Reception’ took place..
The Welcome Speech was delivered by Ali Deniz Eraydın, President of Turkish Bunker Association and the Opening Speech by an official from the Ministry of Transportation, Maritime Affairs and Communication
Then the Keynote Speaker Nigel Draffin, Technical Director, LQM Petroleum Services Inc., took the podium.
A magnificent view from the reception/dinner venue of the great City at night!
On day one first session, under the theme “Buying Bunkers”, Jens Maul Jorgensen, Director of Bunker and Risk Management – Oldendorff Carriers GmbH & Co. KG., gave an interesting speech.
On “Supplying Bunker – Story of acquiring 5th largest bunker supplier”, Julio Tellechea, Managing Director, Mabanaft GmbH & Co., delivered an interesting paper.
Then come “Forces for change in the bunker industry” by Unni Einemo, Managing Editor, Petromedia Group.
Afterwards on Session Two, “Energy Market Regulatory Authority” a presentation on Turkish Oil Markets Turkish ECA by Murat Korçak, Ministry of Transportation, Maritime Affairs and Communication; quite a progressive paper.
This was followed by “Bunker risk management-Remaining profitable in a volatile market” by Christel Mcloughlin, Director of Risk Management, KPI Bridge Oil.
A nice break was the Boat Tour on Bosphorus sponsored by “Petrol Ofisi” – a great break!
The last day, Friday the 7th of June the “Shipping Markets” …had their day with A.Burak Akdemir from Spot Shipping & Trading Ltd giving an interesting account on te matter. Engin Koçak, from ISTFIX on “Small size and coasters market Ports of Turkey: Kocaeli Port”, was also interesting.
Lastly Fırat Yemeniciler, General Manager, Poliport talked on “Ceyhan/İskenderun Port “ and then the session ended with Sami Habbab, CEO, of Delta Rubis; he too had a good paper to present.
Lastly, Session Four and final on Regulations – Trevor Harrison , Board Member, IBIA, add the LNG Bunkering by Dirim Şener, Business Development Director from Delta Marine.
Closing Remarks – Adrian Tolson, Regional Manager, North America, Physical Division, OW Bunker
…22:30 – till morning: Party sponsored by “TBS”, excellent!
See you there next year and take care; at least the shipping industry creates peace to all intents and purposes!
