Baseblue, the global marine energy solution provider, recently hosted a successful conference titled “The Future of Bunkering 2023 and Beyond” as part of the 10th East Med Expo. The conference featured expert panels and discussions on the role of bunkering in the transition towards a sustainable future, with a particular focus on alternative fuels.

The panel discussions delved into the challenges and opportunities of alternative fuels such as biofuels, hydrogen, LNG, and methanol. The discussions highlighted the importance of alternative fuels and vessel upgraded efficiencies in meeting the IMO’s regulatory requirements for 2030 and beyond. The speakers analysed the immediate pathway to meet these requirements. It was concluded that there is no silver bullet, and a combination of multiple options will be necessary to achieve the required emission reductions.

The conference opened with a welcome address by Mr. Ioannis Efstratiou, Director of the Safety & Environmental Directorate at the Shipping Deputy Ministry of the Republic of Cyprus, who highlighted the importance of collaboration and innovation in the industry’s transition towards a sustainable future. Dr. Yiannos Charalambides, a lecturer and geopolitical analyst, provided an overview of the regional shipping and energy landscape.

Mr. Vassilios Demetriades, former Shipping Deputy Minister of the Republic of Cyprus, moderated a panel on regulations and operations in the shipping industry, where the challenges and opportunities of the industry’s transition towards a more sustainable future were discussed. The panel included Captain Harpeet Singh, COO of Société de Navigation S.A, Dr. J Kokarakis, VP of Technology of Bureau Veritas, and Mr. Philipos Philis, President of ECSA.

Mr. Christian Stoch Jensen, Head of New Business Development at Global Risk Management, discussed the EUETS regulation and how to manage risk in the shipping industry. Mr Nicos Attas, Rina Cyprus Marine Manager, spoke about using hydrogen as a marine fuel and analysed its biggest challenges, highlighting the need for more research and investment in infrastructure and technology to overcome these challenges.

Bill Stamatopoulos, Business Development Director of Bureau Veritas, gave a presentation on the role of biofuels in the new regulations landscape. He mentioned that biofuels are an indispensable stepping-stone on the path to decarbonisation. They may be best viewed as only part of a portfolio of decarbonisation options.

The panel on transition and future fuels, moderated by Mr. Erwin Derlagen, COO of Enesel Dry S.A., explored the use of bio/LNG and methanol as future fuels. The panel included Mr Ed Glossop, Head of Sustainable Operations at Bunker Holding, Mr Stamatopoulos, and Ms Kelly Norways, Associate Editor at S&P Global Platts. They discussed the current development and adoption of these fuels and their challenges and opportunities.

“The conference was a great success, with insightful and thought-provoking discussions on the future of bunkering and alternative fuels,” mentioned Nicholas Argyrou, Key Account Director of Baseblue. “We are committed to driving innovation and collaboration in the industry to achieve a more sustainable future.”

The discussions at the conference highlighted the importance of developing and adopting alternative fuels to reduce the shipping industry’s carbon footprint. Baseblue is committed to delivering holistic and integrated bunkering and lubricant solutions, alternative fuel options, risk management consulting, and a seamless, trusted, and responsible fueling experience.

Mr Nicos Attas, Rina Cyprus Marine Manager