The key green challenges for shipping, emissions reduction measures as we are heading towards 2030 and ways to enhance sustainability were discussed during the last GREEN4SEA Athens Forum, where Mr. Apostolos Belokas, Managing Editor, SAFETY4SEA, asked industry experts to think of what needs to change to improve current landscape in the maritime industry. Namely, all speakers at the event answered the following question:
If you could change one thing that would have either a profound or an immediate impact to help shipping move towards a greener future, what would it be and why?
John N. Cotzias,Projects & Finance, Xclusive Shipbrokers
Innovate, create, and be ready to disturb.
Bill Stamatopoulos,Business Development Manager South Europe, VeriFuel
M
ore focus on R&D
Panos Kourkountis,Technical Director, Sea Traders S.A.
If we need something that will change the market drastically now, these are operational measures, studies, speed limitation and better fuels.
Stamatis Bourboulis, General Manager, EURONAV SHIP MANAGEMENT (HELLAS) Ltd.
I would say one word: Leadership.
Panayiotis Mitrou, Global Gas Segment Manager, Lloyd’s Register Marine & Offshore
A global emissions trading scheme, with a carbon price that will fluctuate in accordance with the needs of each sector to decarbonize. Let the market work on decarbonization and the optimum solution, rather than regulations.
Antonis Trakakis,Technical Manager, Arista Shipping
What I would like to suggest and hope to see is people dreaming and extending their horizons.
Nikos Xydas, Technical Director, World LPG Association (WLPGA)
We should stop dreaming and be pragmatic. Legislators should put their feet down on the earth and think exactly what they are saying, in order for that to be realistic and achievable.
Dimitrios V. Lyridis,Associate Professor Director of the Laboratory for Maritime Transport, NTUA
I would educate the educators. Also, we have to change our mindset and keep our minds open.
Konstantinos G. Karavasilis, Senior Loss Prevention Executive, Thomas Miller (Hellas) Ltd.
Government bureaucracy.
John Kokarakis,Vice President Technology & Business Development – Hellenic-BS-ME Zone, Bureau Veritas
Introduction of nuclear propulsion.
Giannis Moraitakis, Senior Business and Sales Development Manager, Wärtsilä
I would say people’s sensitivity.
Giorgos Kyriazis, Associate, P Ship Systems Ltd
Mentality for drinking water onboard ships.
Frantzeskos D. Kontos, DPA, Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Prime Marine
Our mindset
Dimitris Poulos, Regional Managing Director, Alfa Laval
For sure we have to change our mindset, we have to see sustainability more seriously, and of course we have to learn to be profitable with greener technologies. The companies have sustainability in their vision, but the profit has to exist; and in this case the market has to follow, while all stakeholders should see the long-term profit, in order to go to the same direction.
Mikael Laurin, CEO, Lean Marine Sweden AB
One word: educate. Three words: Share the knowledge.
Ralf Moeck,Technical Manager, Aquametro Oil & Marine
We have to say that the benefit in environment affects the commercial benefit. We have to learn.
Miltos Messinezis, Sales Engineer, OCEANKING SA
Be more proactive for the future.
Above views were presented during a panel discussion at the 2020 GREEN4SEA Athens Forum on 4th of March, at the Lighthouse of Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC).
