Dr Edmund Hughes, IBIA representative at the IMO, joins leading speakers in the “Bunkering in Transition” session at Propulsion and Future Fuels 2026. 

Dr Hughes has recently highlighted the complexity of establishing a completely new governance system for marine fuels, stressing the need for clear reward mechanisms for zero and near-zero fuels, a solvent and well-governed Net-Zero Fund, and a harmonised certification framework covering lifecycle emissions from production to delivery. He has also emphasised that clarity and simplicity are essential to give shipowners, fuel suppliers and investors the confidence needed to make long-term decarbonisation investments. 

In addition to his role with IBIA, Dr Hughes is Director of Green Marine Associates Ltd., a UK-based consultancy specialising in maritime policy, regulatory implementation and emissions control. In his consultancy role he advises other shipping industry bodies on GHG reduction strategies and has served as Specialist Adviser to the UK Parliament’s Environmental Audit Committee on net zero shipping. 

Previously, he was Head of Air Pollution and Energy Efficiency at the IMO, overseeing MARPOL Annex VI, including IMO 2020 and energy efficiency regulations. He also led IMO’s work on reducing GHG emissions, serving as Secretary to the working group that developed the 2018 Initial IMO GHG Strategy. 

Dr Hughes spent eight years in the UK civil service, including roles at the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and HM Treasury. He holds a PhD and an engineering degree from Cranfield University. 

To hear from Dr Hughes and other key experts at the conference which takes place from 8-10 October in Hamburg, book your delegate place here.