The Cyprus Union of Shipowners (CUS) welcomed the new EU draft rules on the use of renewable and low-carbon fuels in marine transfers and specifically the adoption of the FuelEU Maritime.
More specifically, the Cypriots shipowners are satisfied with the recognition from the European Parliament, of the “polluter pays” principle, but also of the need to create one of a special fund, Ocean Fund, to decarbonize shipping.
It is encouraging that, so far, the achievements of both shipowners and highest institutional level, contributed to the pragmatic approach by the members of the EP, for applicable measures, practical and based on available technologies, for those environmentally friendly fleet changes
What is more, CUS believes that the challenges for decarbonisation of the shipping industry are plenty. For this reason, there is the need for proper planning and monitoring of the gradual energy transition, production and use of low and zero carbon emission fuels, to covering the demand.
CUS further assured that it will continue to evaluate various suggestions “with realism and substantive comments for improvements.”
However, it added the “clauses alien to the protection of the environment and disproportionately burdensome for shipping,” must be avoided.
In the same wavelength, the Union of Greek Shipowners (UGS) also acknowledged the positive elements of the provisional agreement on the inclusion of shipping in the EU ETS and called for the adoption of suitable global measures.
According to the UGS, the agreement reflects to a significant extent the positions of the European shipping industry, namely the due application of the “polluter pays” principle, and the earmarking of part of the revenues generated from shipping for the decarbonisation of the sector.