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Bunker firm BMS United Bunkers reports that it recently hosted a two-day event in conjunction with the International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA).

A discussion series entitled 'A Glance into the Future of Shipping' was held to examine the latest advances in the shipping industry.

Set in the Benaki Museum of Greek Culture in Athens, the conference offered delegates an opportunity to hear about the key issues affecting the industry and participate in a lively debate.

The event organisers arranged an agenda of diverse topics covering a broad spectrum of points, but with a specific emphasis on future challenges for shipping. The key themes were:

- The IMO's 2020 global sulphur cap
- Digitalisation and future ship design
- Future prospects: risk management and shipping economics

IMO's Edmund Hughes provided an update on the implementation of the 0.5 percent sulphur cap, and clarified IMO's intention on keeping the deadline.

Shell's Lauran Wetemans highlighted how the use of LNG is influenced by the new regulations.

Meanwhile, John N. Kotzias, president of the Hellenic Shipbrokers Association, provided a comprehensive overview of the Greek shipping market and its perspectives.

Following the full-day conference, BMS organised a party at the Akanthus summer club which was attended by more than 1,000 guests.

Antonis Xiros, Group Director, BMS United, remarked: "BMS United, as a global leader in the marine fuel procurement industry, is actively shaping the future of shipping. Being a truly innovative company not only are we prepared for the new challenging era before us, but also we disseminate the vast knowledge gathered after decades of experience and hard work, through events such as our conference."