Fuel Sourcing and Decarbonization Expert Frank Dahan to Lead IBIA Through Pivotal Clean Fuel Transition in the Americas
London, United Kingdom | December 11, 2025 – The International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA) has appointed Frank Dahan, Senior Director of Strategic Sourcing and Global Fuel Strategy at The CSL Group, as the new Chair of the IBIA Regional Board – Americas, effective immediately.
Frank Dahan’s appointment, bringing a strong voice from the ship-owning and fuel-buying community, is being widely welcomed as a strategic step that strengthens IBIA’s commitment to balanced, industry-wide representation across the marine fuel supply chain.
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Experience at the Forefront of Decarbonization
Frank Dahan brings nearly 30 years of executive experience across the oil, energy, and maritime sectors, with a proven track record in alternative fuels, decarbonization strategy, and regulatory influence.
Leadership in Biofuel Innovation
- B100 Biofuel Trials: Since 2019, Dahan has led one of the maritime sector’s largest trials of B100 (100% bio-content) biofuel. Conducted across half of CSL’s Canadian fleet, the biofuel trials resulted in a 23% life-cycle CO₂ reduction compared with Marine Gas Oil (MGO), underscoring biodiesel’s viability as a near-term, drop-in decarbonization solution.
Regulatory Impact
- The technical insights gained from these trials have influenced key regulatory and standards-setting processes, including:
- The development of ISO 8217:2024
- Policy discussions with Transport Canada, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the International Maritime Organization (IMO)
Frank Dahan’s oversight of CSL’s Strategic Sourcing and Global Fuel Desk, responsible for the company’s largest spend category, equips him with deep operational knowledge in cost optimization, risk management, and practical bunkering logistics.
Strengthening Regional Balance
Frank Dahan succeeds Adrian Tolson, who continues to serve on the IBIA Global Board. The leadership transition supports IBIA’s focus on regional engagement and rotational governance.
Alexander Prokopakis, IBIA Executive Director, welcomed Dahan’s appointment:
“I am pleased to welcome Frank into this role. It is encouraging to see a representative from the buying community taking the lead in the Americas, strengthening the balance of perspectives within our regional leadership. I look forward to working closely with him as we continue to build IBIA’s presence and initiatives across the region.”
Frank Dahan’s tenure is expected to prioritize guiding the industry through the complex clean-fuel transition and advancing IBIA’s mission of safe, transparent, and sustainable bunkering practices throughout the Western Hemisphere, a region experiencing rapid expansion in alternative-fuel infrastructure.
Frank Dahan’s Vision for IBIA Americas
Following the appointment, Frank Dahan shared his appreciation and vision:
“I’m honoured and truly excited to step into the role of Chair of the IBIA Americas Regional Board. My sincere thanks to the IBIA Global Board for their trust and appointment, and to Adrian Tolson for his leadership and continued dedication to the association.”
“A special thank you to Alexander Prokopakis, IBIA Vice Chair, and Constantinos Capetanakis, IBIA Chair, for their guidance, confidence, and firm commitment to strengthening IBIA’s global impact. Your leadership continues to inspire, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to work alongside you both.”
“As we navigate one of the most pivotal periods in our industry’s history, I look forward to collaborating closely with my fellow board members, but most importantly, with our IBIA members across the region and around the world.”
“Together, we have the opportunity to amplify our collective voice, support the industry through the clean fuel transition, and further advance safe, transparent, and sustainable bunkering practices.”
IBIA in Brief
The International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA) is the authoritative voice of the global bunker industry, representing all sectors and stakeholders across the marine fuels value chain.
- Founded: 1993
- Membership: Shipowners, charterers, bunker suppliers, traders, brokers, ports, regulators, service providers, and marine energy industry stakeholders worldwide.
- Mission & Role:
- Foster collaboration and professionalism across the industry
- Promote education and best practices
- Uphold high standards of conduct
- Provide a platform for discussion, guidance, and advocacy
- Engagement: Actively participates with other industry bodies, national and international policymakers, and legislators, including the International Maritime Organization (IMO), where IBIA holds consultative NGO status
- Global Forum: Offers a comprehensive platform to address challenges and opportunities in the bunker industry, ensuring the industry’s voice influences the future of marine fuels and maritime regulation
- Offices: UK, South Africa, Singapore
Source: Frank Dahan | International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA)