A new concept in bunker industry events - The Business Exchange - will take place in Houston, USA on March 9-11, combining unique networking opportunities with high-quality content seminars and debates.

This effective and time efficient forum brings buyers and suppliers together to forge and strengthen profitable relationships through informative seminar sessions, one-to-one appointments and informal networking events.

Following an opening reception in the evening on Tuesday, March 9, there will be two mornings of seminars followed by networking appointments.  Wednesday night also has a Gala Evening at the world Famous Houston Rodeo.

Seminar presentations on Wednesday include analysts looking at future trends, a presentation on the legal aspects of contact disputes, and operational issues.

Douglas Mavrinac, a highly regarded shipping and energy analyst from Jefferies and Company, will talk about the health of the maritime market and prospects for recovery.

Kurt Barrow, Vice President, Purvin & Gertz, will talk about trends for bunker supply, demand and pricing to 2030.

On Thursday, the event hosts a panel debate and open discussion involving top industry experts on bunker fuel quality, a subject that is particularly relevant at a time when ISO 8217, the international marine fuel standard, is undergoing a major review.

Panelists include Dr. Rudy Kassinger, Senior Consultant, DNV Petroleum Services, Dr. Vis, Founder, Viswa Lab, Cathie Johnston, Laboratory Business Development, Intertek and Wajdi Abdmessih, General Manager, Oiltest Marine Services. 

Another hot topic is the subject for the final seminar on Thursday, March 11, namely flow metering technology and its relevance for quantity measurement during bunker deliveries.

Jesper Odum, Business Development Manager, Maersk Oil Trading, will talk about Maersk's experience with using flow meters in operation on receiving ships, while Pat Studdert, President, Buffalo Marine, will present a case study of fitting such technology to bunker barges.

The Business Exchange will host a premier group of fuel buyers at this exclusive two-day event.  A limited number of fuel suppliers and service providers will have the opportunity to join the event and meet with buyers in a programme that will ensure maximum returns for all.

Confirmed attendees on the buyer side so far include:

BG Group 
ConnocoPhillips Marine  
Colonial Navigation
CSAV Group
Gearbulk (UK) Ltd  
Intermarine  
LMS Ship Management    
Maersk Oil Trading  
MOL
Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines    
Seaboard Marine  
Scan-Trans Inc
US Navy Military Sealift Command
US Shipping Partners LLP

Further participants will be confirmed soon.

Please send enquiries about The Business Exchange to: events@bunkerworld.com