Plakiotakis: financing decarbonisation needs creative solutions
(Posted on 08/06/22)
Shipping is required to face the complex challenges placed by the progressively stricter IMO and EU environmental legislation and the financial issues related thereto, according to Greek Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, Mr Ioannis Plakiotakis.
In his keynote address during the opening panel of the HELMEPA Conference on the third day of this year’s Posidonia Exhibition, Plakiotakis, referred to decarbonisation as a ‘flaming issue’ and as ‘one of the biggest challenges for shipping’. “Shipping has to secure, in the very near future, worldwide availability of safe alternative low and zero carbon fuels and the related infrastructure. We are, however, still far from there.” Posidonia 2022 is organised under the auspices of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs & Insular Policy, the Union of Greek Shipowners and the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping and with the support of the Municipality of Piraeus and the Greek Shipping Co-operation Committee.
The Minister stressed the importance of new financial instruments and resources to fund the journey to decarbonization: “Higher standards of safety and environmental performance often come from different organizations, but always at an important financial cost. Financing of innovative solutions for the reduction of pollution from vessels and enhancement of energy efficiency of ships, including the installation of pioneering technological equipment, or the building of ships of innovative design and systems, presupposes the existence of funding mechanisms beyond the traditional ones.”
The Minister added: “The transition to a carbon-free future, requires that we gradually move from the current uncertainty to a safe environment that will be leading future investments and make sure that they result in the expected benefits for the environment, entailing a mix of targeted and flexible, private and public funding.”
He finally called on the EU and the International Maritime Research Board and Associated Fund to generously support and contribute to the required funding through sources such as the EU structural budget and other industry-led initiatives.
Addressing the audience via a prerecorded video message, Secretary General of the International Maritime Organisation, Kitack Lim, said: “To decarbonise a truly global industry global solutions are needed. Our goal is to ensure shipping continues to operate safely, securely, and efficiently. Our goal is to ultimately decarbonise shipping and for that, we need to collaborate between all stakeholders to develop sustainable solutions. I very much hope for your support in our endeavours. We must continue our voyage together and leave no one behind.”
In her speech, Melina Travlos, President of the Union of Greek Shipowners said: “The Union of Greek Shipowners will continue to work consistently and with dedication, in order to adopt realistic and feasible solutions that will lead our industry in this new era.”
A powerful panel of six of Greece’s biggest shipping companies, with a combined collective fleet of 354 vessels, or 7% of the total Greek-owned fleet, followed to discuss ESG issues in the shipping sector. They were: Suzanna Laskaridis, Director Laskaridis Shipping, Milena Pappas, Commercial Director, Starbulk Carriers, Athanassios Martinos, Managing Director, Eastern Mediterranean Maritime Limited, Aristidis Pittas, CEO, Euroseas & Eurodry, Simeon Palios, Director and Chairman, Diana Shipping Inc., Nikolas Tsakos, President & CEO, TEN.
Latest News
Maritime appetite for cyber risk higher than other industries
(Posted on 20/11/24)A new report published by DNV reveals that the majority (61%) of maritime professionals believe the... Read more
NorthStandard adjusts for future with precautionary premiums increase
(Posted on 20/11/24)The return of higher claim volumes during 2024, increased exposure to larger claims, and continuing... Read more
ClassNK ELW on improving seafarers’ living conditions for Tokei Kaiun bulker
(Posted on 12/11/24)ClassNK has granted its ‘ELW (HP)’ (Excellent Living and Working Environment (Hydroponics... Read more
FONASBA elects new President and Board
(Posted on 12/11/24)The Federation of National Associations of Ship Brokers and Agents (FONASBA) has held its annual meeting... Read more
10,000 cadets benefit from Sailors’ Society virtual conferences
(Posted on 12/11/24)Record-breaking numbers of cadets and ratings from across the globe have attended the 2024 Sailors&rsquo... Read more
Algoma’s stronger quarter signals promising close to the year
(Posted on 04/11/24)Algoma Central Corporation has reported its results for the three and nine months ended September 30... Read more
Urgent need for updated medical guide for ships
(Posted on 04/11/24)Marine Medical Solutions, a key player in maritime healthcare, is raising awareness to the urgent need... Read more
KCC makes move into wind with bound4blue eSAIL system on newbuild
(Posted on 31/10/24)A subsidiary of Klaveness Combination Carriers ASA (“KCC”) has entered into an agreement... Read more
KCC makes move into wind with bound4blue eSAIL system on newbuild
(Posted on 31/10/24)A subsidiary of Klaveness Combination Carriers ASA (“KCC”) has entered into an agreement... Read more
Partnership to launch maritime Know-Your-Customer data platform
(Posted on 31/10/24)Baltic Exchange has launched a Know-Your-Customer (KYC) platform to give the maritime sector greater... Read more
