The International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA) is working with the government of Mauritius to host a Forum examining business opportunities linked to the island’s development as an international bunkering supplier and hub.
Mauritius: A Bunker Hub: Driving the Ocean Economy will be held in Port Louis, Mauritius from October 13-15 and is organized in partnership with Celero, an independent logistics group, based in Mauritius and Madagascar.
IBIA Chief Executive Peter Hall said, "The Mauritian Government is committed to developing its maritime economy, seeing it as an important driver of economic growth and is keen to create new opportunities across all sectors. This high level event will bring together the key players from across the region and with over 300,000 vessels passing Mauritius annually, the economic potential to develop the island as a bunker supplier and hub, is significant."
Mauritius occupies a strategic position in the Indian Ocean, offering an important base for shipping on the East – West trade routes and for businesses looking for a convenient doorstep to Africa and the Mauritius Port Authority already offers special port tariffs for bunker operations.
The four-day program will consist of two days training; an IBIA basic bunkering course and tailored training for the region, examining top legal and business issues.
This will be followed by a one and a half day conference, including several keynote speeches from government ministers on the ‘Blue Economy’ and the government’s drive to turn Mauritius into a leading regional petroleum hub.
The conference which will examine the maritime development of Mauritius, potential investment opportunities and specifics related to bunkering, culminates in a harbor tour. The Forum offers numerous networking opportunities and includes a social events program.
Aimed at both local and international delegates, the attendees are likely to be from local government and the port authority, as well as international ship owners, bunker suppliers, traders, brokers, port authorities, credit reporting companies and lawyers.