Seascale Energy CEO Peter Grünwaldt joined industry leaders at the 45th International Bunker Conference (IBC 2026) onboard the M/V Color Fantasy cruise ship to discuss the rapidly evolving realities shaping global bunker markets and marine fuel procurement.

In his presentation, “What It Takes Today to Be an Efficient Buyer of Bunkers,” Peter outlined how geopolitical disruption, tightening regulation, fuel transition, and increasing market volatility have fundamentally changed the bunker procurement landscape.

Addressing shipowners, fuel suppliers, traders, and industry stakeholders, the session focused on the growing complexity facing bunker buyers as overlapping regulatory frameworks – including EU ETS, FuelEU Maritime, RED III, and upcoming IMO measures increasingly influence commercial decision-making.

The presentation emphasized that bunker procurement today extends far beyond securing the lowest fuel price. Topics discussed included: Regulatory compliance and emissions-related cost exposure; Biofuel adoption and evolving supply dynamics; Fuel quality, quantity assurance, and operational risk; Counterparty and supplier risk management and the importance of transparency and data-driven procurement decisions.

Peter also shared how Seascale Energy is leveraging scale, market intelligence, governance, and technology to support customers navigating increasingly complex marine fuel markets.

The session additionally highlighted initiatives such as Fuelsure and the Bunkering Services Initiative (BSI), both aimed at improving transparency, benchmarking, and trust across bunker procurement and delivery processes.