Union of Greek Shipowners calls for ‘pragmatism and constructive cooperation’ at next MEPC meeting

Ahead of the upcoming session of the IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee, the President of the Union of Greek Shipowners Ms. Melina Travlos has issued the following statement, calling upon all Member States “to rise to the occasion in a spirit of pragmatism and constructive cooperation”. The statement continues:

“Greek shipping, representing the largest cross-trading merchant fleet in the world, has consistently been at the forefront of environmental stewardship. The Greek shipowning community continues to invest substantially in fleet renewal, energy efficiency and technological innovation, demonstrating that operational excellence and environmental responsibility go hand in hand.

We remain firmly committed to the decarbonisation of our sector. However, ambition must be grounded in realism. The draft Net-Zero Framework does not constitute an appropriate solution, as evidenced by the absence of support from major and influential States representing a significant share of global tonnage, an element that cannot be overlooked.

We therefore urge Member States to work towards a global, realistic and implementable solution that can ensure a just and equitable transition, while prioritising safety and providing the necessary certainty for long-term investments. Failing this, the risk of a fragmented regulatory landscape, marked by regional measures that distort competition, will become inevitable. Such an outcome would neither advance the global decarbonisation of shipping nor preserve the central role of the IMO as the competent regulator of international shipping.

The extensive experience gained through prior negotiations should be used to consider alternative approaches, drawing on the industry’s deep expertise and practical experience. The active involvement of the shipping industry is essential to shaping a robust regulatory framework, one that safeguards both environmental objectives and the resilience of the sector, while also supporting the welfare of societies worldwide.

In this context, we call upon governments to match the industry’s commitment with the necessary political will and determination.”