UGS Pres Melina Travlos: Without shipping there can be no green transition

The Union of Greek Shipowners welcomes the Green Deal Industrial Plan (GDIP) initiative and the related legislative proposals discussed at the recent European Union (EU) Summit.

The role of European shipping is a catalyst for the successful implementation of these proposals. Shipping guarantees the security of supply of energy, raw materials and essential goods for the European economy in both normal and crisis conditions. The shipping industry is a strategic sector for the EU and not just a means of transporting goods.

At the same time, decarbonisation of shipping urgently requires alternative and safe marine fuels. In the framework of the GDIP, their immediate development and availability in sufficient quantities to shipping by the other involved sectors must be ensured. At the same time, the implementation of the GDIP should not lead to distortion of competition and inequalities between EU Member States.

Achieving the multiple objectives of the GDIP and a sustainable European shipping requires better coordination between relevant EU agencies and closer consultation with the shipping industry.

“Without shipping, there can be no green transition, nor strategic autonomy of the EU,” said the President of the UGS, Ms. Melina Travlos.

“The path to decarbonising our industry is ambitious but it must also be realistic. This is a condition to ensure the international competitiveness and sustainability of European shipping, this irreplaceable sector for the prosperity of the EU”, added Ms. Travlos.