---

Ian Adams, chief executive of the International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA), has said that his decision to resign from the UK-based industry body was a difficult one to make.

In a statement relased today, Adams said: "It has not been an easy decision to leave IBIA having seen it grow over the last 10 years. However, I need to consider the needs of my family. I look forward to seeing IBIA continue to go from strength to strength."

On Friday, IBIA announced that it had accepted the resignation of Ian Adams as the chief executive of IBIA, with effect from 31 July 2011. He is leaving in order to look after his family whilst his wife recovers from medical treatment.

IBIA Chairman Bob Lintott said in a statement today: "We are sad to be losing Ian, but fully understand that family must come first. Ian’s contribution to IBIA has been first class and he has been instrumental in turning the association into a globally recognised industry body. We wish him well in his future employment."