The transformation of shipping into a key field of geopolitical competition, as well as the major challenges the sector faces on the path to decarbonization, were highlighted by
Ms. Travlou criticized Europe for the stance it maintained for years towards shipping, arguing that the importance of the sector was systematically underestimated.
“Unfortunately, for many years Europe did not understand the importance of shipping in general,” she stated, adding that Greek shipping constitutes approximately 61% of European shipping, while overall European shipping represents about 35% of global shipping activity,” she noted speaking at the energy conference organized by the Financial Times and Kathimerini.
As she argued, the war between Russia and Ukraine ultimately forced Europe to realize its dependence on shipping and the maritime industry as a whole.
The President of the Union of Greek Shipowners also placed particular emphasis on the issue of the green transition, pointing out that this is the first industrial sector to face measurable decarbonization targets as early as 2013.
“Shipping is the most difficult sector to decarbonize,” she stressed, noting that the relevant targets are often set without the technological and energy solutions required for their implementation yet being available.
Referring to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Ms. Travlou noted that decisions regarding shipping are now directly influenced by the geopolitical balances between the United States, China, and Europe.
“We are shouting that this solution is not feasible,” she stated, adding that the current international situation is now leading to a more realistic discussion on the issue of shipping decarbonization.
The President of the Union of Greek Shipowners also focused particularly on the issue of alternative marine fuels, noting that, despite the discussion around biofuels, ammonia, methanol, and hydrogen, serious issues of sufficiency and safety persist.
“We forget that there are people on board the ships, and it’s not just the ships but also the ports and the environment,” she characteristically noted.
As she stated, LNG currently remains the only immediately available solution that can substantially contribute to reducing emissions, while she emphasized that Greek shipping possesses one of the youngest fleets globally.
“We have managed to reduce our carbon footprint by around 20%,” she noted.
Referring to war zones and the upheavals in trade routes, Ms. Travlou stressed that approximately 90% of global trade is transported by sea.
“We understood this during Covid, when the only means that was moving was the ship,” she stated, noting that maritime transport kept supply chains active during a period of global crisis.
She emphasized that shipping is called upon to operate within a constantly changing and unpredictable environment.
“A shipowner must be an economist, engineer, seafarer, insurer, cook, and captain,” she said characteristically.
Regarding tariffs and trade tensions, Ms.
Traulo warned that unilateral decisions ultimately increase costs for citizens and create distortions in competition.
At the same time, she focused on China’s development strategy in the shipping and industrial production sectors, noting that Beijing has followed for decades a long-term policy that linked raw materials, production, exports, and maritime transport.
However, as she emphasized, despite pressures and geopolitical confrontations, “ships sail and ships will sail.”
The president of the UGS also referred to the issue of the so-called “shadow fleet,” arguing that Greek shipping has been unfairly targeted.
As she stated, the sanctions imposed on Russia by the West created conditions of distortion of competition and strengthened the development of parallel networks for the transport of oil and natural gas.
“The shadow fleet is a threat to shipping,” she noted, adding that there is no evidence linking Greek ships to the so-called “dark fleet.”
Ms. Traulo also referred to the position of women in shipping, noting that stereotypes and difficulties still exist for women who wish to pursue the maritime profession.
“The stereotype exists and there is difficulty for women to enter the profession of seafarer,” she stated, emphasizing, however, that she herself never viewed shipping through the prism of gender.
Responding to questions about shipping’s contribution to society, the president of the UGS noted that the sector is an important social partner, with a strong presence in social contribution actions.
As she stated, shipping is a high-risk sector, with intense economic cycles and large fluctuations in markets.
At the same time, she emphasized that through the UGS, significant social and educational initiatives are implemented.
“I am very proud that the sector earns but also gives back to society,” she characteristically stated, noting that the UGS implements a program of 365 scholarships for postgraduate studies, while also participating in projects for the restoration of school infrastructure in Thessaly.
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