A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Hellenic Shortsea Shipowners Association (HSSA) and the International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA) on 20 May 2026, aiming to foster cooperation in the areas of knowledge exchange, industry updates, technical expertise, training, and skills development for professionals in the maritime and fuel sectors. The agreement also seeks to promote the mutual representation of common interests and address shared challenges faced by the industry.
The MoU was signed on behalf of HSSA by Charalampos Simantonis, President of the Board, and on behalf of IBIA by Constantinos Capetanakis.
The Memorandum has already entered the implementation phase, as a member of the HSSA Board is now participating in IBIA’s Bunker Buyers Working Group. The group consists exclusively of shipowners, ship managers, and charterers, with the objective of strengthening dialogue and addressing common challenges within the marine fuel supply chain. It also provides a dedicated forum for fuel buyers to exchange operational information, contribute to the development of industry best practices, and help shape IBIA’s positions on critical regulatory and commercial matters.
Following the signing ceremony, Charalampos Simantonis, who also serves as President of the European Shortsea Network, stated that the new agreement forms part of HSSA’s broader strategy to strengthen its outward-looking approach and expand its network of partners. The aim is to further promote the Association’s positions and proposals before national, European, and international organizations, while reinforcing the role of shortsea shipping.
For his part, Constantinos Capetanakis noted that HSSA’s expertise would prove highly valuable to IBIA and that the Association’s experience would be fully utilized in supporting and substantiating the organization’s proposals. He also emphasized the importance of synergies, stressing that only through cooperation can organizations make meaningful progress and effectively support the positions of their members in international forums.
Also present at the signing ceremony were Mr. Alexander Prokopakis , Executive Director of the International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA), Ms. Danae Tsopela , Director of the Hellenic Shortsea Shipowners Association (EENMA), Mr. Alexandros Lagouros, Maritime Affairs Advisor, Ms. Alexandra Gana, Treasurer of EENMA, Ms. stefania liveri , Member of the Board of Directors, and Mr. Giannis Tsongas, Global Head of Bunkering at Sekavin.
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