“We need sustainable shipping, environmentally and economically. To do this, the relevant agreements must be adapted accordingly,” stressed the Minister of Shipping and Island Policy, Vasilis Kikilias, speaking at the Cyprus Maritime Summit. As he noted, “Europe does not have time. Globally, things are evolving and the decisions that will be taken now must be realistic in the long term for the shipping industry.”
Referring to the transition to green shipping, he stressed that “we agree on the framework, but we want realism. LNG has proven its reliability and must be used as a transitional fuel. We still do not have the zero or near-zero emission fuels, not even to approach the reduction targets of the coming decade. The transition costs are very high and a significant part of them must return to the shipping industry and the corresponding infrastructure.”
Regarding the IMO framework, he pointed out that “the shipping industry is seeking global measures, but we should not treat it punitively. On the contrary, we should give it the appropriate tools, in a compatible way, so that it is economically sustainable and contributes to global trade and employment. This is growth, this is energy security, this is a better world”. And he added: “Work now, all together. Let us determine how the IMO agreement will be appropriately adapted, so that it serves the common interest. Not punishment, but the pursuit of sustainable shipping in all senses, economic and environmental, with clear rules”.
“Shipping is the strongest market the EU has to offer, thanks to its people,” he said, but stressed that “we are far behind in competitiveness, compared to the US and China.” As he pointed out, “it is a time of crisis but also of planning. The Draghi Report last year clearly said what we need to do. A year has passed. Not much has been done. It is time for action.”
Finally, referring to maritime education, the Minister noted: “We are bringing a bill that will reduce bureaucracy and re-evaluate schools, public and private, on how our children will enter and remain in the maritime sector, where jobs are secured and very well paid.”
