The Minister for Business and the Port, the Hon Gemma Arias-Vasquez, led a strong delegation from Gibraltar’s maritime industry at the prestigious International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA) annual dinner in London last week. The event, a key feature of International Energy Week, brought together industry leaders, investors and policymakers from across the global energy and maritime sectors.

Gibraltar Maritime Services hosted two tables, welcoming a diverse group of stakeholders to reinforce Gibraltar’s reputation as a maritime centre of excellence. Minister Arias-Vasquez and the Captain of the Port, John Ghio, engaged directly with existing and prospective industry partners, highlighting Gibraltar’s strategic and economic advantages and commitment to innovation in maritime services.

Beyond the IBIA dinner, Minister Arias-Vasquez took the opportunity to meet with potential new businesses interested in interacting with Gibraltar and explored opportunities for growth. Discussions also focused on ways to enhance the Port of Gibraltar’s appeal as a product, ensuring it remains a competitive and attractive destination for global shipping and bunkering.

This year’s event was particularly significant for Gibraltar following the appointment of CEO and Captain of the Port, John Ghio, to IBIA’s newly formed European Regional Board. Announced at the IBIA Annual Convention in Athens in November 2024, this strategic appointment places Gibraltar at the heart of discussions on marine fuel sustainability and regulatory developments in Europe.

The Captain of the Port, John Ghio, said: "The IBIA annual dinner is an important event for maintaining and building relationships within the maritime and bunkering sectors. Gibraltar’s strong presence at this event reflects our ongoing commitment to excellence and innovation. Our discussions with industry leaders were productive, and we will continue working to enhance Gibraltar’s reputation as a world-class maritime hub. I am also honoured to be serving on IBIA’s European Regional Board, and I look forward to contributing Gibraltar’s perspective to key industry discussions that will shape the future of marine fuels in Europe."

The Minister for Business and the Port, the Hon Gemma Arias-Vasquez, said: "Gibraltar continues to play a leading role in the international maritime industry, and our presence at events like IBIA ensures we remain at the forefront of global discussions. This was an excellent opportunity to showcase Gibraltar’s strengths and engage directly with key decision-makers to explore new ways to make the Port of Gibraltar an even more attractive and competitive offering."

Photos are courtesy of the IBIA.