Sustainable Marine Fuels,
For Sustainable Maritime Transportation
Gathering dynamic marine fuel leaders, movers & shakers since 2017, in-person and online.
The only "for industry, by industry" maritime sustainability gathering that offers a tangible outcome and true connection; in unique surroundings with nature & fresh air, and an intentional smart casual "come as you are" dress code.
"Wonderful experience in an environment that motivates to speak, listen, and share ideas"
Glander International Bunkering, 2023
1. No-nonsense small group discussions
Chatham House Rule & a safe space
2. Intentional environments
From fresh air to fishbowls; introvert-approved
3. Tangible outcomes: SMF Confidence Index
Measuring and tracking progress
4. Specially-designed group challenges
Using the time to debate, decide and do
5. Wine & Dine on local delights, family-style
With your new (& old) maritime best buddies
when the vibes are high
where will we gather?
On Monte Kobetas, overlooking the River Nervión and the beautiful city of Bilbao*
*crossed fingers for a fog-free November!
courtesy Etxekobe
courtesy PlanetWare
The coordinates
Etxekobe (eht-chuh-koh-vey)
Monte Cobetas 40 D
48002 Bilbao (Bizkaia)
Recommended accommodation
In the heart of old town Bilbao; an 8-10 min drive up the mountain to Etxekobe
(remember to car pool when you can!)
Staying longer to explore Bilbao?
Handy hints from Spain's tourism bureau:
Tips from Atlas Obscura if you prefer an experience off the beaten track
*Did you know? There's a really famous museum in Bilbao
for industry, by industry
SMF Fest is only possible with the support of maritime organisations and leaders who know we need to change the way we meet and solve the most pressing challenges of our times. Many of our supporting partners & participants have been with us since Day 1: a testament to the value of the experience. Join this special list of changemakers and select from the following options:
£9,995
PRINCIPAL PARTNER
Your organisation is a serious player in the marine sustainability space, and you're working on new fuels, technologies and joint projects on the daily. Your middle name is decarbonisation and when you talk, the industry listens.
5 Fest passes
A seat at the advisory table
Shape the direction & vision of the Fest
Bragging rights
£4,995
INDUSTRY PARTNER
You're serious about sustainability, but your organisation is still on the journey (or voyage, if you like). You're quietly plugging away on decarb efforts, and you have big goals to be recognised - and rewarded - for your efforts.
2 Fest passes
Your input is warmly welcome
Category exclusivity to help you along on the brand recognition journey
£1,995
PARTICIPANT
You're likely self-employed, work for a very lean organisation or just want to dip your toe in the water. You're probably new to the Fest and you want to experience it for yourself before joining in the big leagues. Fair enough - we've got you.
1 Fest pass
Get ready to never look at maritime sustainability the same way again.
or email banu@uncommonconferences.com for more info
"an opportunity to have unfiltered discussions and meet different industry colleagues – not the usual suspects"
Wärtsilä Marine, 2024
join these maritime sustainability champions
how are the confidence levels?
The SMF Confidence Index is our pride & joy. What was once a brilliant idea from ex-SGMF maritime veteran David Haynes, is now a benchmark of our progress on the sustainable marine fuel journey - giving the industry an annual "here-and-now" pulse check of 12 sustainable fuel options, rated against five deepsea vessel segments and 4 key parameters (technology, infrastructure, commercial & environmental)
our voyage map
We don't work off a predictable linear agenda at the Fest. Instead, we carefully map our voyage so that each group discussion, activity or exercise builds on the previous. We alternate between small rounds and larger fishbowls; making time for talking, listening and reflecting. Concurrent hosted group discussions provide the input we need for the output we co-create at the end of the two days. And of course, there'll be delicious locally-sourced pintxos and fresh drinks to fuel our work.
Bonus! Live graphic recording at the Fest
For the visual learners in our midst, we've got you covered. One of the trademarks of the Fest is live illustration of our group discussion rounds, which means you can focus on the session, and leave the visual note-taking to our wonderful scribe, Verity Harrison.
See 2024's visual illustrations here.
"very honest, transparent, no nonsense discussions. What a difference from normal events"
newcleo, 2024
"excellent event, high contact, useful thought exercises"
Lloyd's Register, 2024