Earlier today, Friday 5 June, the customary press conference of the Union of Greek Shipowners (UGS) took place within the framework of the Posidonia exhibition.
In the discussion that took place between the presidium of the UGS and numerous representatives of the press, a multitude of issues were analyzed, with particular emphasis placed on the competitiveness of (Greek) Shipping, maritime education, sanctions and, of course, the social contribution of shipowners.
Competitiveness of Shipping
According to the President of the UGS, Greek Shipping is a pioneer, both in terms of technology and the environmental footprint of its ships, a fact also demonstrated by the current orderbook of Greek shipowners, with the truly impressive number of 931 orders.
Regarding the primacy of Chinese shipowners, Ms. Travlou reached the clear conclusion that a large percentage of the Chinese fleet belongs to state-owned or public interest companies, in contrast to the Greek-owned fleet where private initiative dominates.
At the same time, Ms. Travlou emphasized the strategic and timeless advantage of Greek shipping. “What sets us apart is hands-on management. We will continue to be pioneers in this industry.” However, a critical issue according to the President is the way in which Europe will follow the same competitive path and correctly utilize this strategic advantage. Concluding, the president of the UGS stressed that the goal for the European Union is the adoption of measures that will substantially strengthen the industry, at a time when competitors are benefiting from more favorable state financial subsidy frameworks.
Maritime Education and Greek Registry
In response to a question about the progress of the Greek registry, the President of the UGS commented that this specific issue is directly linked to attracting young people to maritime professions. “The circumstances are not conducive for young people to view the maritime profession positively,” she stated characteristically, adding that current geopolitical upheavals and the targeting of shipping and commercial vessels have had a deterrent effect.
In order to achieve a revival of the national registry, she expressed the view that collective cooperation of the bodies is an imperative need, while also stating that “we must forget stereotypes in order to move forward.”
Furthermore, the presidium of the UGS received a question regarding the initiatives undertaken by the Union to attract more young people to maritime professions, given that there are numerous concerning estimates regarding a significant shortage of seafarers in the near future.
“We want young Greeks on our ships. We want to convince young people to come closer to the maritime profession,” she emphasized characteristically. “It does not depend only on us,” Ms. Travlou commented among other things, adding the important role that parents play in the choice of profession.
The first step, according to her, is the cooperation of the UGS with the Ministry of Maritime Affairs for the upgrading of maritime education. An additional significant initiative that concerns the UGS is the understanding of the value of shipping by society.
Negotiations for IMO NZF and the role of Greece
“They are asking us to do something that does not depend on us,” Ms. Travlou commented characteristically.
Traplou regarding decarbonization, reiterating the firm position not only of the Greek shipping community but also of the international one, that shipping does not produce energy but depends on energy producers and engine manufacturers.
Regarding the burning issue of the IMO NZF, the President of EEE, following a relevant question, reminded that shipping is responsible for only 1.6% of greenhouse gas emissions, an extremely low percentage, especially when compared to the enormous contribution of shipping to numerous sectors. As she emphasized, “Greece changed the course of MEPC,” because if the framework had not been postponed, the IMO would essentially function as a collection agency. No one had understood exactly how the enormous sums collected would be used; in any case, nothing had been mentioned regarding shipping.
Indeed, she referred to the close cooperative relationship between Shipping and the State, as the government now understands that Greek shipping constitutes a strong negotiating tool. Regarding the NZF, the Greek government understood that this framework was not feasible. Consequently, “the Greek government abstained from the said October resolution,” demonstrating a balanced and rational stance.
Regarding the current situation, she stated that Greece is examining the proposals of Japan and Liberia, which have both positive and negative points. “We are examining both these proposals and once we study them thoroughly we will provide our own observations.” Ms. Traplou concluded by saying that “we are at a good point. If a golden mean is found, it will be to the benefit of both the economy and society.”
Shadow fleet and sanctions
The interest of the press representatives naturally focused on the shadow fleet and international sanctions, two issues that have been plaguing international current affairs in recent years.
“The unfair targeting of Greek shipping must stop,” Ms. Traplou launched regarding the issue. Greek shipowners manage the largest percentage of tankers in the global fleet and as a result, “when after the third resale, a tanker ends up in the shadow fleet, it is a development we cannot control.”
This particular question also prompted the intervention of Mr. K. Karousis, who emphasized – due to his experience in top maritime insurance organizations – that according to available data, “almost no Greek-managed ship belongs to the shadow fleet; these ships have nothing to do with Greece.”
Regarding sanctions, Ms. Traplou clarified that if they are not global in scale, they create market distortions, consequently significantly harming market competitiveness. “We are asking for global solutions and we have made that clear,” she stressed.
Social contribution
Elsewhere, Ms. Traplou, when asked accordingly, expressed her personal satisfaction for the Union’s long-standing social contribution to Greek society. “We are the only sector that collectively carries out social work. Whenever there is a need, we are close to our fellow citizens.”
The president of SYN-ENOSIS emphasized that the EEE scholarship program will continue for another year, enriched, noting that this year a record number of 365 scholarships will be awarded.
“It is a program that has great appeal and is also a tangible proof of the importance we place on education and the new generation.”
Of course, here is education, paideia in general. We do not discriminate among children regarding what they will study; the scholarships concern all fields, not just shipping.”
Basic goal of EEE
“One of the first goals, both collective and personal, was none other than to make shipping visible in society,” she characteristically emphasized, answering a relevant question. According to her statements, EEE had conducted studies, the findings of which showed that Greek society was largely unaware of the global primacy of Greek Shipping. “Greek society had a mistaken perception of Greek shipowning and the industry in general. However, ‘we tell the truth and the results are obvious.’” Ms. Travlou stated that the goal of EEE was and remains for citizens to understand the real impact of shipping, both on the national economy and on society as a whole. “I believe we have largely succeeded in this,” she concluded.
