IBIA successfully hosted a reception on Sunday, 31 May, at the Official Residence of the South African Embassy in Athens, bringing together key stakeholders from across the global bunker, shipping, and marine energy sectors ahead of Posidonia 2026. Held in the gardens of the South African Ambassador’s residence, the event welcomed IBIA members, maritime executives, industry professionals, members of the diplomatic community and IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez for an evening of networking and engagement during one of shipping’s leading international gatherings.
The reception highlighted IBIA’s ongoing commitment to strengthening collaboration across the marine fuels value chain and advancing dialogue on the future of shipping and marine energy. Ambassadors and diplomatic representatives joined senior figures from the maritime and energy industries, reflecting the global significance of both Posidonia and the bunkering sector. The event was supported by Scandi Trading, Agataz, Coral, Eleven Energy and Flex Commodities.
Alexander Prokopakis, Executive Director, IBIA said: “Posidonia continues to demonstrate its importance as a truly global meeting point for shipping. Bringing together stakeholders from across the shipping and marine energy community reflects the interconnected nature of our industry. Bunkering remains the essential last mile that keeps global trade moving and IBIA’s presence here is important as events like this are key to strengthening collaboration across our industry”.
Dr Lindiwe Msengana-Ndlela, Ambassador of South Africa to the Hellenic Republic said: “I would like to thank the Chair of IBIA, Mr Adrian Tolson for once again co-hosting the IBIA reception in partnership with the South African Embassy in Athens. It was a great honour to have hosted the Honourable Premier of the Eastern Cape Mr Oscar Mabuyane, who led a multisectoral, oceans economy focused delegation to attend the Posidonia Maritime Expo, in Greece. The visit has been in line with President Ramaphosa’s call to increase South Africa’s foreign direct investment to ensure economic growth and development, job creation, skills development, innovation”.
ENDS
About IBIA
IBIA – The International Bunker Industry Association is the voice of the global marine energy value chain, representing a diverse membership of fuel suppliers, traders, shipowners, brokers, surveyors, port authorities, and maritime professionals across more than 70 countries. Established in 1993, IBIA promotes transparency, quality, and high standards in marine fuel operations and supports the industry’s transition to low and zero-carbon fuels. Through advocacy at the International Maritime Organization (IMO), and its global network of training, events, and working groups, IBIA connects the industry to drive safe, sustainable, and practical solutions for the future of marine energy.
About the Embassy of South Africa
The Embassy of South Africa aims to advance and promote collaboration between Greece’s Maritime Sector and the South African maritime industry focusing on maritime higher education and training, Cadetship and employment, Research and innovation, Maritime administration, Marine manufacturing, Shipping decarbonisation, and new business development.
