The Union of Greek Shipowners (UGS) acknowledged the positive elements of the provisional agreement on the inclusion of shipping in the EU ETS and calls 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.
We view several aspects of this provisional agreement positively, notwithstanding the fact that the EU ETS is a regional measure. Many important parameters of its application remain to be determined and vigilance is needed to ensure that they are suitable for the sector
the President of UGS, Melina Travlos, stated.
The UGS further added that it is firmly committed to the decarbonisation of the shipping industry. To this end, it highlights again the importance of committing all the relevant out-of-sector stakeholders to this challenging undertaking. Effective mandatory measures for the other stakeholders, such as fuel producers and suppliers, are also necessary.
The strategic importance of shipping is exhibited more vividly during times of geopolitical turmoil or global emergencies. Similarly, ships will also constitute one of the prime facilitators of global decarbonisation, as they will transport most of the new alternative fuels worldwide
Ms. Travlos added.
What is more, the UGS strongly supports the ICS submission for a measure based on a contribution per ton of carbon dioxide emitted by the global fleet, as well as the ICS submission on the revision of the agreed decarbonisation targets.
We very much look forward to the IMO taking firm decisions that will achieve truly environmental benefits
Ms. Travlos concluded.
