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The bunkering industry and its shipping industry customers will be gathering in Hamburg, from November 3 to 7, for the International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA) annual convention and forum. Taking place just weeks ahead of the implementation of European laws on the sulphur content of marine fuels, the event features over 30 expert speakers who will be looking at new fuels, emerging markets, quality and integrity and compliance with the latest regulations.

IBIA chief executive Peter Hall said: "The management of marine fuels is at the top of every shipping company's agenda with so many questions surrounding new fuel types, ECA [Emission Control Area] compliance, quality and testing. Our unique four day event takes place during the week of the Hamburg Eisbeinessen, a huge maritime industry gathering and will help to clarify many of the issues facing shipping company executives."

The programme kicks off with a full-day forum on November 3, entitled 'Bunkering in 2015 and Beyond', which is designed to provide delegates with a holistic view of the industry today covering legislation, pricing, quality, fuel switching and sampling.

The convention opens on November 4 with an address by Dr Hermann Klein, CEO of leading German shipowner ER Schiffahrt, followed by presentations from European refiners, surveyors, owners and ports. Much of the discussion is expected to focus on the implications of the European ECA which comes into force on January 1, 2015.

The Singapore Maritime Authority is also expected to use the convention to explain its mass flow metering initiative. Earlier this year, the Authority announced that from 2017 it will be mandatory to use a mass flow metering system for marine fuel oil bunkering in Singapore.

All the events are to be held at The Grand Elysee Hotel in Hamburg from November 3 to 7.

The event is supported by the German Shipowners Association and the Ship Brokers and Traders Association.