The International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA) has announced a series of measures to support companies and individuals impacted by last week’s collapse of OW Bunker.
In Singapore, IBIA will be taking part in dialogue sessions led by the Maritime & Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) to ensure continuing smooth bunker operations. IBIA stands ready to offer this service to other companies potentially impacted in European ports. The association is also offering professional career support services to those individuals who have lost their jobs.
IBIA Chief Executive Peter Hall said, “This is an unprecedented occurrence and our thoughts are with the very large number of competent hardworking ex-employees now urgently in need of support and industry contact. It is important that dialogue is maintained across the supply chain and we are pleased to be able to support the Singapore bunkering community. We hope that our efforts will ensure an uninterrupted supply of bunkers. We are willing and able to act as local point of support in European ports as we are doing in Singapore.”
He added, “We are offering all ex-OW Bunker employees impacted by the situation free IBIA membership. This is a modest gesture, but will provide them with access to an independent forum where their details can be made rapidly available to others in the industry including employers who are picking up the business previously conducted by OW.”
In a separate move IBIA Chairman Jens Maul Jorgensen has seen his one year term of office extended by a further year. The decision was approved at the IBIA Convention in Hamburg last week.
Congratulating Jens Maul Jorgensen, IBIA Chief Executive Peter Hall said, “As a prominent shipowning representative, Jens has been instrumental on focusing IBIA’s efforts on improving bunker quality around the world. He is an extremely energetic and dedicated chairman and I am delighted that he will continue to support our drive to raise standards across the industry.”
