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The International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA) has announced that it will be holding its annual industry-wide convention in Gibraltar from the 8th-11th November, 2016.

The association's international annual gathering is to be held in conjunction with HM Government of Gibraltar and the Gibraltar Port Authority. The IBIA Regional Forum was held there in February this year.

IBIA Chief Executive Peter Hall said: "Gibraltar, Algeciras, Tanger Med and Ceuta together handle the vast majority of the bunkering in the Mediterranean - making it an excellent location for our biggest annual event.

"The area is home to numerous bunker suppliers with more than 70,000 vessels passing through the Strait of Gibraltar each year. The ports are ideally placed for vessels to refuel with minimal deviation from the main north/south and east/west shipping routes, a vital priority in an industry where time is money and time spent alongside must be minimised.

"Our decision to hold the annual convention in Gibraltar follows our successful event there earlier this year, and with the support and partnership of the Gibraltar Port Authority and HM Government of Gibraltar, we believe that this will be our most successful and productive convention yet."

Gibraltar's Minister for Shipping, Albert Isola, remarked: "This is a real feather in Gibraltar's cap. It clearly demonstrates the good work that the Gibraltar Port Authority is doing in promoting our services and the solid reputation that our port enjoys globally, widely regarded as the premier centre of excellence for bunkering services in the Mediterranean by its peers and partners."

Isola added: "This event will allow the GPA and its bunkering partners to showcase what they do here. The government is fully supportive of holding such prestigious and high profile events in Gibraltar, once again highlighting our commitment to continue developing the port as an important contributor to our economic growth."

The 2015 IBIA Convention was held in Cancun, Mexico, in November, and attracted more than 100 delegates. The discussions covered key bunkering issues and forthcoming regulatory challenges for the industry and ran alongside tailored industry training.