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The seventh International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA) Convention, to be held this year in September in Stamford, Connecticut, USA, will include a major debate on greenhouses gases.

Leading the discussion will be keynote speaker Rear Admiral Robert C North, President of North Star Shipping, who will present to a specially selected CEO panel “The case for a Compensation Fund for International Shipping to reduce Greenhouse Gases.”

Counter-presenting on the topic will be John Aitken, Secretary General of SEAaT, who will explain the benefits of the Emissions Trading Scheme. At the end of the conference, delegates will be asked to vote to decide IBIA’s position at IMO on these environmental issues.

IBIA chief executive Ian Adams said, “A core purpose of our organisation is to give our members a voice at IMO, where we hold a seat, to lobby for our members’ position on fundamental issues such as the greenhouse gas debate. This affects each and every one of us - suppliers, buyers and service providers alike.”

The venue for this year’s event will be the Stamford Marriott Hotel & Spa, which will host the convention’s four-day programme from September 20 to 24. The programme will include IBIA’s Advanced Bunker and Basic Courses, a full two-day conference programme and interactive technical and commercial workshops, as well as networking and social events.

Delegates will also be taken through three sessions on, “Everything you wanted to know about the bunker industry….but were afraid to ask”, focusing on key areas of interest to the industry such as environment, technical, and commercial awareness and legal and contractual issues.

The IBIA Annual Convention is open to both members and non-members. Guest of Honour is the President of the Connecticut Maritime Association (CMA), Beth Wilson-Jordan, who will join IBIA Chairman Mike Ball in opening the conference.

Mike Ball commented “Connecticut is a perfect choice for the IBIA Annual Convention as it gives us the opportunity to welcome members from the CMA as well as local shipowners whom we would encourage to join us at what will be a great programme.”