8 Sep 2023

ship.energy & uncommon conferences are delighted to announce a new partnership which will deliver the unique ‘for industry, by industry’ Sustainable Marine Fuel Fest, on 15-16 November at La Agencia Place in the beautiful port city of Valencia.

Formerly known as Gas Fest, SMF Fest has broadened in scope to embrace all fuels and technologies that will support shipping on its decarbonisation pathway. The inspiring and highly collaborative gathering will bring together key stakeholders across the marine fuel value system.

Small group discussions

Taking place just ahead of COP 28 in Dubai, SMF Fest will be an interactive forum where participants align on decarbonisation strategies, stress-test policy and regulation as well as uncover the rationale for investment decisions in various fuels and technologies.

Participants looking for traditional keynotes or panels will not find them at SMF Fest. Instead, they can look forward to facilitated small group discussions, strong and meaningful connection-building, and a closing family-style fiesta. One of the key takeaways from SMF Fest 2023 will be a succinct report summarising the alignment achieved by participating organisations, for use at COP 28 and also within the broader industry.

Three-year partnership

Post-event surveys since 2017 show this gathering consistently achieving 100% satisfaction rates

Industry organisations committed to supporting this year’s event include Wärtsilä, Society for Gas as a Marine Fuel, GTT and Bureau Veritas. Post-event surveys since 2017 show this gathering consistently achieving 100% satisfaction rates and more importantly, that it’s ‘not just another industry event’.

SMF Fest will be delivered through an initial three-year partnership between uncommon conferences and ship.energy, part of the well-respected marine fuels conference, training and publishing company Petrospot Limited. Banu Kannu, CEO & co-founder of uncommon conferences and Lesley Bankes-Hughes, MD of Petrospot & ship.energy, issued this joint statement on SMF Fest 2023:

Delivering actionable and measurable outcomes

Shipping’s energy transition is hugely complex, challenging – and exciting. SMF Fest attracts a rare breed of those willing to work on these opportunities in a candid and dynamic way – it’s not for anyone looking to sit back and listen. We insist on smart casual attire so we can all “roll up our sleeves” and get to work, regardless of your job title or years of experience!”

Instead of relying on a select few industry experts for “content”, collaboration underpins SMF Fest’s unique methodology. We are very much looking forward to co-creating an immersive and enjoyable experience that is a real disruptor in the shipping conference world, and one which will deliver actionable and measurable outcomes for all participants.”