The International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA) has a new chairman. As of April 1, 2026, Adrian Tolson of 2050 Marine Energy has assumed leadership of the organisation, succeeding Constantinos Capetanakis following the conclusion of his two-year term. Both the outgoing and incoming chairs spoke with Ship & Bunker about the transition, the association’s recent growth, and the challenges that lie ahead.
A Legacy of Broadened Membership
Capetanakis — who serves as bunker director at shipping firm Star Bulk — is notable for being IBIA’s first chairman in recent history to represent the buyer side of the marine fuels market, rather than the supply side. According to Ship & Bunker, his tenure was marked by a deliberate push to diversify and expand the association’s membership base, drawing in voices from sectors not previously well represented within IBIA.
That effort appears to have resonated. The organisation’s annual dinner in London earlier this year drew record attendance, a milestone Capetanakis pointed to as evidence of the association’s growing reach. In his words, as reported by Ship & Bunker: “I think we have set the stage for IBIA to be accepted in any type of room, in any type of discussion anywhere.”
A New Platform for Bunker Buyers
While stepping down from the chairmanship, Capetanakis will remain on IBIA’s board and take on the leadership of a newly established Bunker Buyers’ Working Group. Ship & Bunker reports this group is designed to represent the interests of those who procure marine fuels — the demand side of the bunker supply chain.
Capetanakis described its purpose as giving buyers “a collective platform to discuss challenges, to promote transparency, to develop, discuss and debate practical solutions that should support efficient, fair and reliable bunker procurement.” Tolson echoed the significance of the initiative, noting to Ship & Bunker that no such dedicated space had previously existed for buyers across all levels of seniority to collectively share their concerns.
Expanding the Secretariat
To meet the demands of a growing membership and an increasingly complex regulatory environment, IBIA is also bolstering its internal capacity. Tolson confirmed to Ship & Bunker that the association is currently in the process of hiring two additional secretariat members. “Delivering more to the membership, I think, is key,” he said.
Capetanakis noted that the volume of IMO submissions and co-submissions IBIA is asked to support has been growing steadily, underscoring the need for dedicated professional staff rather than relying solely on voluntary contributions.
Navigating a Fragmented Regulatory Landscape
One of the defining challenges Tolson steps into is the prospect of diverging emissions regulation frameworks around the world. With the EU already operating its own shipping emissions rules and global alignment through the IMO facing delays, the risk of a patchwork regulatory environment is a concern the new chairman takes seriously.
As reported by Ship & Bunker, Tolson stressed the importance of IBIA being present and engaged wherever regulation is taking shape — citing the EU and the United States as two key jurisdictions to watch. The association’s regional boards are also expected to take on a more prominent role in navigating any locally specific regulatory developments, according to Capetanakis.
Gulf Bunkering does not provide operational or security guidance. This article is for informational purposes only. Operators should consult flag state authorities, P&I clubs, and relevant advisories for decisions relating to transit planning.
Sources: Ship & Bunker
