20 January - 22 January
Radisson Collection Hotel, Waterfront, Cape Town
The 17th edition of this renowned event will feature eminent industry and government speakers representing bunker buyers and suppliers, ports, refiners, regulators, and maritime professionals, all addressing the unique issues and opportunities shaping Africa’s marine fuels industry.
MWAF26 Programme
If you believe you could make a positive contribution to the conference or training programmes, please email Llewellyn Bankes-Hughes at [email protected] to start the discussion.
Programme details are updated regularly and are subject to change as new speakers are confirmed and themes developed.
Standard Delegate Rate: £795 – Register Here
Exhibition Opens
The opening session will set the scene by looking at developments in shipping, ports and bunkering in the Republic of South Africa and the African Continent.
Welcome to Cape Town and Maritime Week Africa 2026
Llewellyn Bankes-Hughes, CEO & Founder, ship.energy
Confusion and Division: Analysis of the Environmental Debate at the International Maritime Organisation
Vusi September, Alternate Permanent Representative of South Africa to the International Maritime Organisation
An Overview of Shipping Developments in Africa
Capt. Stefan Bülow, Managing Partner, J*S Maritime Partners
Navigating Global Shipping Policy: Challenges and Opportunities for Africa
Felix Sames, Policy Manager, World Shipping Council
Developments in LNG in Africa
Paul Eardley-Taylor, Gas Sector Lead, Standard Bank Group
Developments in Policy and Legislation in South Africa
Chuma Mpahlwa, Director: Maritime Policy and Legislation, Department for Transport, Republic of South Africa
Panel Discussion / Q&A
CEO & Founder
ship.energy
Joint CEO, Shipping Innovation | Director, Maritime UK
Llewellyn began his career in the oil industry in 1980, working both as a journalist and as oil broker in London and New York, with Petroleum Argus, Eperon Petroleum, Albion Oil, Petroleum Intelligence Weekly and OPEC Listener, before joining MRC Business Information Group in Oxford – which later became Lloyd’s List Intelligence after MRC’s acquisition by Informa – where he rose to Managing Director before leaving in May 2003 to establish Petrospot Ltd.
He is a Founding Member of the International Bunker Industry Association, which he helped create in 1993 and has organised conferences, seminars, training courses and multiple other events in 35 countries around the world and attended events as a journalist or conference speaker in a further dozen countries.
Llewellyn is co-creator, co-founder and co-owner of the biennial London International Shipping Week, whose first edition took place in September 2013 and has become one of the largest maritime events in the world.
Llewellyn was born in Abergavenny, Wales, in 1957 and lives in Oxfordshire.
Deputy Director General for Maritime
Department for Transport, Republic of South Africa
Mr Madiya is currently the Deputy Director-General: Maritime Transport Branch in the Department of Transport. As the Acting DG of Transport for the period of November 2021 to June 2022.
He worked at Transnet National Ports Authorities and Ports Operations. He also has experience in Liquid Bulk business and Policy development, Port Infrastructure and its Commerce Stakeholder Management and Project Development and Management.
Mr Madiya served as the South African Maritime Safety Authority Board Member since 2015 to 2023 and the member of Board Sub Committee – Maritime Industry Development, served as a member of the Board of the Ports Regulator of South Africa for the period 2015 to 2023.
He is the Head of Operation Phakisa Ocean Economy – Maritime Transport and Manufacturing and Chair of National Ports Consultative Committee and Ports Consultative Committee.
, Managing Partner
J*S Maritime Partners
Capt. Stefan Bülow has about 40 years’ experience in the maritime industry and over the last 18 years as a Shipping Executive in executive management positions with ship managers and investor groups, as partner with ship owners and today as Ship Owner. Prior to this he served about 21 years at sea in all ranks from apprentice to master (including deep-sea offshore/research).
He grew up on a German shipyard and started his career with German ship owners. He also holds an MSc/Economic Engineer for Shipping & Transport and an Engineering License.
Within his years at sea he was Master in world-wide deep-sea offshore/research (RV “Meteor”, RV “Sonne” and others) at RF Reederei Forschungsschiffahrt GmbH for more than 12 years.
His new ship project brings him back to the field of research shipping in a completely new and innovative combination, which is also a sustainable public-private partnership project.
Policy Manager
World Shipping Council
Felix Sames works as an EU Policy Analyst at the World Shipping Council since 2024. He is responsible for monitoring and tracking EU policy activities and contributing to the development of relevant EU policy positions. Felix brings multiple years of experience in EU public affairs, having previously worked in a public affairs consultancy, an NGO, and a trade federation that focused on the international dimensions of EU policies.
He holds an LLM in European and European Legal Studies from the University of Hamburg, and an LLM in International and European Law from Tilburg University. In addition, he also completed his bachelor’s degree in Law at Universitas Pelita Harapan in Indonesia.
This session will focus on the regulations that underpin the bunkering sector in South Africa.
Moderator: Siya Maya, Managing Director, South African Marine Fuels (SAMF)
South Africa’s Role as a Leader of the African Maritime Sector
Vernal Jones, Regional Manager – Operations Performance and Terminal Oversight, TNPA
Safeguarding South Africa’s Maritime Sector
Capt. Dennis Mqadi, CEO, South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA)
SARS and the Restructuring of the South African Bunker Market
Gregory Marks, Transformation and Development Manager, Turners Shipping
The Importance of Collaboration between South Africa’s Maritime Authorities
Capt. Thulani Dubeko, President of the African Harbour Master Association
Panel Discussion / Q&A
Managing Director
South African Marine Fuels (SAMF)
Siyamthanda, a Managing Director of SAMF and IBIA Africa Board member is a seasoned business professional in the energy sector with extensive experience in Bunkering, Utility management as well as Oil and Gas trade and operations. She is a personification of diligence, determination, and skill, attributes which have contributed to her current achievements. She has successfully founded and ran 2 energy entities and led Multi-Billion-rand infrastructural programs. A strong believer in credible skills transfer and development, Siya is a supporter of women skills advancement and community enablement.
Siya holds a BTech in Electrical Engineering and an MBA from university of Stellenbosch business School.
Harbour Master, Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA)
President of the African Harbour Master Committee
Captain Thulani Dubeko is an accomplished maritime professional with a distinguished career spanning more than three decades in the South African maritime industry. His journey began in the early 1990s when he commenced his maritime training with the South African Navy, laying a strong foundation in seamanship, discipline, and maritime operations. He later advanced his career by pursuing Navigation Officer training with Safmarine, gaining valuable seagoing and navigational experience within commercial shipping.
Driven by a passion for port operations and navigation safety, Capt Dubeko transitioned to Transnet where he joined the marine pilot training programme. Through dedication and consistent professional growth, he rose through the ranks across various marine operational roles. His leadership, technical expertise, and commitment to operational excellence ultimately led to his appointment as the Harbour Master of the Port of Ngqura.
The Port of Ngqura is the only South African port currently facilitating offshore Ship-to-Ship (STS) bunkering operations, and Capt Dubeko has been involved since the inception of these activities. His strategic oversight and operational guidance have been instrumental in ensuring the safe, compliant, and efficient execution of STS bunkering in the region.
Beyond his port-specific responsibilities, Capt Dubeko has made significant contributions to the advancement of the maritime profession across the African continent. He played a pivotal role in the establishment of the African Harbour Masters Committee, a key substructure of the International Harbour Masters Association (IHMA). Through this platform, he advocates for African Harbour Masters by promoting collaboration, professional development, training, and information sharing to strengthen port safety and operational standards across Africa.
Capt Dubeko is widely respected for his leadership, technical competency, and his unwavering commitment to enhancing maritime operations both locally and across the continent. He was recently chosen as the best Harbour Master in the world by the IHMA.
This panel session will focus on the rehabilitation – or otherwise – of the bunkering sector in South Africa, looking at the fiscal, legal and commercial barriers that recently have hindered developments in this globally-important and key African market and shed some light on how this market might now – slowly – recover and return to its former regional dominance.
Moderator: Tahra Sergeant, Regional Manager (Africa), International Bunker Industry Association
Panellists:
Durand Naidoo, CEO, Linsen Nambi
Graham Dreyden, COO, African Marine Solutions (AMSOL)
Jeremy Prain, Partner, Bowmans
Wilhelm Wasserman, Business Divisional Manager: Marine, FFS Refiners
Cebisile Nhlapo,Supply Manager/Head of Operations and Chartering, Astron Energy
Panel Discussion / Q&A
Regional Manager (Africa)
IBIA
Tahra Sergeant became an integral member of the IBIA Secretariat when she joined in 2014. As the Regional Manager for Africa and its adjacent islands, she also plays a pivotal role as part of the Global Marketing and Events team at IBIA, as Global Head Events. Under her astute management, the association has witnessed notable growth in the African region.
Tahra’s strategic vision and leadership are evident in her orchestration of the IBIA Annual Dinner, her meticulous management of all IBIA events, and her influence in the association’s marketing strategies.
With a career spanning over 20 years, Tahra brings with her a rich expertise in marketing and project management. Her journey started in the design and publications sector, later transitioning into the competitive world of advertising. In this realm, she demonstrated her strategic acumen by overseeing some of Africa’s most significant local and international brands.
Tahra’s reputation as an efficient and visionary marketing and project manager underscores her knack for bringing ideas to life.
Partner
Bowmans
Business Divisional Manager: Marine
FFS Refiners
Wilhelm’s journey in the Petrochemical industry began with his tertiary studies in Chemical Engineering in Potchefstroom whereafter he started his career at Natref in 1995 (the crude oil refinery jointly owned by Sasol & TotalEnergies in Sasolburg). Whilst at Natref, his responsibilities centered around the Refinery’s crude scheduling, planning and production apportionment between the two shareholders, moving on to fulfilling the role of Refinery Operations Manager.
After 20 years at Natref and in his quest for change, growth and development, Wilhelm joined FFS and moved to Cape Town where his portfolio included the Cape Town harbour tank terminals and FFS processing facilities in the region.
Wilhelm’s passion for all things “chemical related” motivated him to assume the role of Business Division Manager for FFS Marine in 2020. He continues to lead his team to greater heights within the Maritime industry, actively expanding FFS Marine’s national footprint.
This session will look at developments within some of the key bunkering areas in West Africa.
Moderator: Jon Hughes, Managing Director, Dan-Bunkering Africa
Canary Islands
Airam Diaz Pastor, Deputy Director, Port Authority of Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Cape Verde
Hernnany Graça, Marine Manager, Vivo Energy Cape Verde
Ghana
Brent Nartey, CEO, Misa Energy Ghana Ltd
Nigeria
Mohammed Aminu Umar, Managing Director, Sea Transport Services Nigeria Ltd
Angola
Jorge Calvillo, Founding Partner, ATH Trading Lda
Namibia
Nazeem Stuart, General Manager, Monjasa
Panel Discussion / Q&A
Managing Director
Dan-Bunkering Africa
I have worked in the bunker industry since 2006, all the while focussing on the African bunker market. I have spent many days in barely road-worthy taxis, rushing around traffic congested African cities. Striving tirelessly to find those precious gem’s, those African supplier’s that can get the job done on time and on spec.
Through multiple complexities that the African landscape can present, I have seen many ups and many downs. I still maintain that I have the best job in the world. Every day is different with fresh challenges and opportunities. And the quest to provide long term value for a vision to uplift African ports to meet world standards is something of a personal passion of mine and which continues to sustain me today.
Deputy Director
Port Authority of Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Airam Díaz Pastor is the Deputy Director of the Port Authority of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, with an extensive career in the maritime-port sector and the cruise industry. With over 20 years of experience in port management, logistics, and international trade, he has played a key role in the strategic development of Tenerife’s ports.
Before assuming his current position in October 2024, he served for nearly a decade as the Commercial Director of the Port Authority, leading the expansion of services in sectors such as bunkering, ship repair, and cruise traffic development. His commercial vision led him to hold high-responsibility positions in the industry, including his role as Director at Miller y Cía (Boluda Corporación Marítima) and his international experience with Grimaldi Group.
His commitment to the cruise industry is reflected in his active involvement with MedCruise, the leading association of Mediterranean cruise ports, where he has served as President, Board Member, and currently, Honorary President. His leadership within the organization has contributed to strengthening connectivity and promoting Mediterranean and Atlantic ports as strategic destinations for the sector.
Fluent in English, French, Italian, and Spanish, Airam Díaz brings a global perspective to port infrastructure development, digitalization, and sustainability in the maritime sector.
CEO
Misa Energy Ghana Ltd
Brent Nartey is a strategic and forward-thinking executive with nearly two decades of leadership experience across West Africa’s energy and maritime sectors. As CEO of MISA Energy Ghana Ltd, he successfully led the organization’s transformation from Engen Ghana Ltd into a distinctly Ghanaian-owned brand defined by operational excellence, customer-driven performance, and a renewed African identity.
Renowned for his decisive leadership and commitment to innovation, Brent consistently drives organizational growth, strengthens governance structures, and forges impactful partnerships across the energy value chain. He has contributed significantly to industry development through policy engagement and board service, including his tenure on the Board of the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC).
He currently serves as a Trustee of the NBC Ghana Fund and as Executive Director of Mocoh Ghana Ltd. His leadership has earned multiple recognitions, including Young CEO of the Year (2022), Leadership Excellence Awards (2023 & 2024), and the Global Recognition Award – Industry Change Maker (2025). Brent is a Chartered Accountant and Certified Business Analyst.
CEO
ATH Trading
Over 14 years’ experience in Angola. Started career working for a Swiss wealth management firm in Madrid, after that he founded and lead VIG World for 13 years, a company with its focus in Angola which developed and invested in different sectors such as mining, energy, and trading.
He has recently spin-off from this venture to start his sole project, ATH, which aims to become the first private trading house of Angola with the objective to position Angolan commodities into the world and make strategic investments in companies and ventures in the Angolan oil and gas sector. Jorge holds a bachelor’s degree in BA and finance granted by the America University of Paris.
General Manager
Monjasa
With a career of 20 years+ and a formal education (Degree in Economics and Management), I have been very fortunate to been exposed to a wide range of industries in my career.
I worked in the Marine Oil & Gas and Logistics sector, working for big international companies like Shell International, Vivo Energy , Manica Group part of the Bidvest Corp. The last 10 years I have been part of one of the largest bunker fuel and trading companies known as Monjasa .
Throughout my career I have hold many positions and have attended various courses related to Marketing, Sales & Operations, Trading, and Logistics, Supply chain, Management, and business development, ranging from development stage to Senior management level. With experience in the Commercial, Marine, Oil & gas, Aviation, Mining Logistics and Trading (fuels and Lubricants) sectors during my career.
I am currently the GM for Monjasa Namibia supporting our Namibian operations as well supporting the group on projects and business development expansions.
This session will look at developments within some of the key bunkering areas in North and East Africa and the Indian Ocean.
Moderator: Jon Hughes, Managing Director, Dan-Bunkering Africa
North Africa: Egypt, Algeria & Morocco
Abdelrahman Tharwat, Regional Supply Manager, Sing Fuels Pte Ltd
Mauritius
Sharma Domun, Marine and Aviation Manager, Vivo Energy
Mozambique, Madagascar and Reunion
Ricardo Aimee, Marine Fuels Manager, Numora Trading Pte Ltd
Panel Discussion / Q&A
Managing Director
Dan-Bunkering Africa
I have worked in the bunker industry since 2006, all the while focussing on the African bunker market. I have spent many days in barely road-worthy taxis, rushing around traffic congested African cities. Striving tirelessly to find those precious gem’s, those African supplier’s that can get the job done on time and on spec.
Through multiple complexities that the African landscape can present, I have seen many ups and many downs. I still maintain that I have the best job in the world. Every day is different with fresh challenges and opportunities. And the quest to provide long term value for a vision to uplift African ports to meet world standards is something of a personal passion of mine and which continues to sustain me today.
Regional Supply Manager - Africa & ME
Sing Fuels Pte Ltd (DMCC)
Abdelrahman has been deeply rooted in the shipping industry since 2005, building a broad foundation of expertise across ship operations, stevedoring, cargo surveying, and ship agency services and supplies. In 2016, he transitioned into the bunkering sector, where he embarked on a dynamic journey with leading companies such as Integr8 Fuels and GP Global.
He currently serves as Regional Supply Manager at Sing Fuels, overseeing bunker procurement and operations across Africa and the Middle East. In 2025, Abdelrahman was appointed as an IBIA Board Member for Africa, with a focus on developing the North and East African markets.
With his extensive experience, strategic mindset, and deep industry understanding, Abdelrahman continues to drive efficiency, reliability, and growth within the maritime fuelling sector.
Marine and Aviation Manager
Vivo Energy
Sharma Domun holds a BSc (Hons) in Electronics and Science and an MBA in Leadership and Innovation. With over 13 years of experience in the petroleum industry—nearly 12 of which have been dedicated to LPG—Sharma has built a strong track record in the sector.
He has led the LPG team in Mauritius, worked in Côte d’Ivoire, and most recently held the position of LPG Business Development Manager – Africa. In November 2024, he took on a new challenge, transitioning to the Marine and Aviation business in Mauritius, where he currently leads the operation.
End of Conference Sessions
Location:
Life Grand Café Waterfront
2 Pierhead Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, 2001, South Africa
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