UGS welcome proposal for alternative marine fuels and tech research centre in EU
- Published
by Admin
The Union of Greek Shipowners (UGS) on Wednesday (20 October) said it has welcomed the timely initiative of the Greek Prime Minister, Mr. Kyriakos Mitsotakis, to propose the creation of an EU Research Centre for Alternative Marine Fuels and Technologies for the decarbonisation of the shipping sector.
“We support the Prime Minister’s pertinent proposal for the creation of a Research Centre for Alternative Marine Fuels and Technologies in the EU. With its proven maritime know-how and long-standing experience and scientific expertise Greece, the world’s leading maritime nation, can contribute to this end,” states the Mr. Theodore Veniamis, President of the UGS.
“We are keen to work with the EU institutions and all interested parties to move Greece’s proposal forward in order to support the major effort required to deliver real environmental benefits along with a sustainable EU shipping sector.”
The UGS has consistently advocated that no technology is currently available at the scale required to deliver substantial reductions in Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions from ships. Without mature new marine fuels and related technologies available worldwide, the decarbonisation of shipping will not be feasible within the timeframe expected.
Furthermore, the European Commission’s proposal to extend the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) to international shipping needs to be effectively in line with the polluter pays principle which entails compliance by the commercial operator of the ship. The principle is acknowledged in the context of the Greek Prime Minister’s proposal towards the European Commission.
“We value the acknowledgement of the importance of maritime transport to the EU and the world at large and the recognition of the role of out-of-sector stakeholders, such as fuel producers and suppliers, commercial operators/charterers, shipyards and engine manufacturers, in providing the shipping industry with the appropriate means for decarbonisation,” Mr. Veniamis continues.
“Without their instrumental contribution, the shipping sector will remain carbon captive and its long-term sustainability will be seriously threatened.”
“We also stand ready to cooperate with the international community and all stakeholders at the International Maritime Organization with which Greece has deep ties and trust. Greek shipowners are fully committed to the decarbonisation of our industry as soon as possible and are working proactively towards this goal,” he ends.
Photo credit: Dimitris Vetsikas from Pixabay
Published: 22 October, 2021
