Adina Valean: Greece leads global shipping, good luck for the country and the EU

The biggest event in the history of the Poseidonia event opened its gates, with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, the President of the Hellenic Shipowners’ Association, Melina Travlou, and the European Commissioner for Transport, Adina Valean, cutting the ribbon after their opening speeches.

“Welcome to the global shipping summit” said Melina Travlou and was applauded by those present. Poseidonia 2022 is the most modern and influential in the history of the institution, said the President of the Hellenic Shipowners’ Association and continued that they are an invitation for cooperation for the developments in the industry. In these 4 years that have passed, shipping has proved once again that it is… all-weather! In a time of peace, in a time of global crisis, in a time of war, shipping and its people, at all levels of operation, have managed not only to deal with this volatile, critical environment, but also to decisively protect the functioning of the global ecosystem. “.

Mrs. Travlou very warmly thanked the Greek sailors and their families who responded to the unprecedented situations they are experiencing.

The President of the Hellenic Shipowners’ Association characteristically noted the need for international organizations and bodies to make the shipping community their interlocutor. “States, international organizations, decision-making centers, must take this into account. They must work closely with the shipping community to defend the functioning of the global supply chain and economy. They must ensure the smooth living of citizens around the world.” .

The EUSR is immediately launching a new information campaign, as announced by the President from the podium. “As the Hellenic Shipowners’ Association, we are committed that the world leader in the Greek shipping industry will make a practical and dynamic contribution to the adoption of sustainable policies for the benefit of sustainable development. In this context, we are launching a global information campaign , universal message: “Navigating the Future of Sustainable Shipping”. I invite you to participate as messengers of this initiative. I call on you to support the need for coordinated activation of all participants in the chain of maritime activity “.

And she concluded by saying that “as a proud Greek woman, I welcome you to the headquarters of the largest fleet on the planet, in the homeland of 5,500 ships”.

The European Commissioner, Adina Valean, both in her opening remarks and in her press conference, noted: “Greece leads the world shipping, thanks to the first Greeks who innovated at sea thousands of years ago, but also thanks to its current entrepreneurs This is a blessing for Greece but also for the rest of the EU, which benefits from a thriving shipping industry that includes shipping companies, shipyards where ships are tested, built and repaired, shipping equipment manufacturers, digital service providers, international classification companies and ships “.

Regarding the challenge of carbonation, the Commissioner noted that “reducing emissions would be easy if we had a single carbonation technology that satisfies the entire shipping industry. But there is no such thing. We can not hope that new marine technologies will be developed exclusively in laboratories, both shipowners and ship managers must begin to make their own choices. including sustainable biofuels and liquefied natural gas, the transition will take many years and that is why we need to start now.

“This is especially true for clean fuels. We do not have many alternatives to today’s fuels, and the ones that do exist are expensive. To avoid a vicious circle, where a lack of demand causes a shortage of supply and tubaline, coordination between suppliers is necessary. Our proposal “FuelEU Maritime” encourages this project, gradually creating a demand for this type of fuel.The Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Regulation, which we have proposed, is designed to ensure port equipment “The Renewable Energy Directive requires the production of low-carbon renewables in sufficient quantities,” said the European Commissioner.

He concluded: “I believe in the power of the market to select the best technologies for a specific purpose. Our role, as regulators, is to set the goal and the course to be followed. It is up to the industry to choose the best technology for boats and “There are many technologies, but it is not always easy to apply them on a large scale.”

Regarding the Russian-Ukrainian crisis, the European Commissioner said: “From this step, in front of the global shipping elite, I would like to say a few words about one of our latest initiatives: the EU-Ukraine solidarity lanes. Like everyone Russia’s blockade of the Black Sea ports has severely disrupted Ukrainian agricultural exports, endangering the food security of many of its dependent countries. is a major challenge, as it requires trucks, wagons, containers, ships, special equipment, logistics knowledge and coordination, and is a major regional, national and European authorities. I count on your involvement. ”