In this context, the Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, Vasilis Kikilias, in an official statement of his underlines that shipping needs international, fair and realistic rules, acceptable by all member-states, and not punitive mechanisms that would endanger the stability of global trade.
As he notes, Greece, with its long maritime tradition and the strongest fleet internationally, will play an active role in the new negotiations that will determine the final IMO framework for the green transition of shipping.
Following is the full text of the statement by the Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy Vasilis Kikilias
“Shipping needs international rules acceptable by all and not punitive mechanisms. Greece, as the greatest power in global shipping, has consistently supported the IMO as the exclusive regulator of rules for shipping. It raised early on its concerns regarding the so-called “zero emissions framework”, proposing significant improvements, so that it responds to the real needs and capabilities of all sectors of shipping and to the reality of the global fuel market.
The negotiations that followed were arduous and highlighted serious weaknesses regarding the implementation timelines, the unfair treatment of LNG fuel, the unjustifiably high penalties on shipping which, if adopted, would likely cause serious dysfunctions in global trade and increases in product prices.
The vote on the final agreement was postponed for one year, during which significant negotiations between IMO members are required, incorporating the views of the market with realism and justice.
This is necessitated by the need for energy security both for international shipping and for global economic development.
Greece with its great maritime tradition, unique expertise and the strongest fleet, will claim a significant role in these negotiations for the framework under formation”.
