Kikilias: Greece supports the gradual decarbonization of shipping, but through realistic and implementable solutions

Shipping is one of Greece’s strongest geopolitical and growth assets, and if Europe seeks to regain its competitiveness, it must embrace it and leverage its strength,” Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy Minister Vassilis Kikilias said on Monday, in an interview with the newspaper TO VIMA.

Referring to Greece’s position in the negotiations at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) on the new decarbonization framework for shipping, he explained the reasons behind Greece’s divergence from other proposals and emphasized:

“Greece supports the gradual decarbonization of shipping, but through realistic and implementable solutions. Some would have imposed multi-billion-euro penalties on the shipping industry for not using alternative fuels. However, alternative fuels currently account for only 0.5% of global demand. Therefore, until the next generation of technology is developed, Greece is obliged to support its substantial fleet, which represents 61% of the European fleet and 20% of the global fleet, and above all, society.”

He also stressed that such decisions would have significant implications for European citizens:

“Shipping carries 80% of global trade. If shipping companies are burdened with excessive costs, these will inevitably be passed on to transport, supply chains, fuel prices, and the broader economy. Following the memoranda, the pandemic, wars, and the energy crisis, we certainly want a greener planet by 2050. However, until then, we must ensure economic and operational sustainability.”

amna.gr