A word of thanks to the Petrospot team for an excellent event in Dubai for the Middle East Bunker Convention across February 7th – 10th. It was very well attended and the speaking panels provided the usual expert opinion and guidance across critical topics affecting the global industry whilst also allowing time to focus on regional matters and commentary.
I am delighted to have had the opportunity to speak at MEBC and provide MFA opinion in the session titled “Playing By The Rules”. As an additional treat, those in attendance watching got to see my PowerPoint slide showing me in my official Football Referee outfit! I used the analogy to consider how sports players, spectators and commentators are not actually required to know the Laws of a game; only the Referee on a match-day is officially trained in the Laws. In a bunker trade and then across the bunker supply-chain, I highlighted how it is essential that ALL players need to know the Rules!
With some amusing mock-up What’s App conversations also playing through the slides to depict possibly the worst bunker deal that can be completed between two counter-parties, my intention was to connect with the audience and make everyone realise that slips, mistakes and careless actions can affect million dollar deals with significant ongoing implications. The penalties in business are far worse than those on a football field…
Contact me if you wish to have a copy of the presentation in full and also to discuss the topic and how the MFA is helping members in the area of sanctions checking and vessel tracking with our Partners.
Finally, we had a chance to unwind and meet visitors to Dubai and regional suppliers and companies. It is always such a great moment to re-connect with close friends and discuss each our respective business ventures and progression. Huge thanks to one of our Founder Members, Propeller Fuels Ltd, for sponsoring the drinks. They are also celebrating the opening of their new Dubai office. Robert Thompson, as Chairman of the MFA, was very kind to offer an opportunity to join with his colleagues and guests. Congratulations again to Martyn McMahon, the new Global Director of GAC Bunker Fuels. We started alongside each other in Shell some 20 years ago… Still going strong and still both committed to quality service and dedication to this wonderful industry!
