The International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA) on Friday (19 June) released a statement, welcoming the agreement between United States and Iran but cautioned that restoration of confidence, operational stability and normal trading conditions will take time: The International Bunker Industry Association welcomes agreement reached between the United States and Iran and hopes it represents a meaningful step towards restoring peace, stability and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and the wider region. “We join the wider maritime community in recognising the resilience, professionalism and dedication of seafarers, including those engaged in marine fuel supply operations, who continued to serve under exceptionally difficult and dangerous circumstances. Seafarers are the backbone of global shipping, enabling the movement of around 80% of world trade, while the marine energy sector plays a critical role in keeping that trade moving. Recent events have also reinforced a fundamental principle: civilian ships, marine energy operations and the seafarers who serve on board must never become instruments or casualties of geopolitical disputes. The protection of human life at sea must remain paramount. The crisis has highlighted the vulnerability of marine energy supply chains to geopolitical disruption. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important energy and marine fuel corridors, and instability in the region affected bunker operations, fuel logistics, supply planning and pricing across global bunker markets. While the marine fuel supply industry has once again demonstrated its resilience and adaptability, the effects of this disruption will not disappear overnight. At the same time, recent events have reinforced the importance of energy security and supply diversification. As the maritime sector progresses towards a multi-fuel future, the development of alternative and lower-carbon marine fuels can contribute not only to decarbonization objectives