Greek shipping without a voice in the decision-making centers

Of George Georgiou

Representatives of the domestic shipping community speak of the limited participation of Greek shipowners in the decision-making mechanisms of the shipping industry, a fact which, as they say, brings to the fore measures unprofitable for the industry.

At the heart, of course, are environmental regulations and measures promoted by the European Union and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to reduce pollution from ships.

In particular, the measures proposed by Brussels – the Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS) and the FuelEU Maritime – have been widely criticized by the Hellenic Shipowners’ Association, which raises serious objections to their effectiveness.

The “Greeks” believe that the only regulator for an internationalized industry, such as shipping, is the IMO. A view with which most shipping associations internationally agree. Just yesterday, in fact, the Asian Shipowners’ Association criticized regional policies, such as the ETS.

The terms of the “game” have changed

“Greece once starred in the IMO. Today, our country has practically no voice in the Organization, as most Greek positions do not like the European Union.”

This was emphasized by the technical director of Atlantic Bulk Carriers (interests of the Koumandaros family) and for many years a member of the Greek delegation to the IMO, Panos Zachariadis, speaking at yesterday’s Greener Shipping Summit 2021 organized by Newsfront / Naftiliaki.

As Mr. Zachariadis said, “the game has changed for Greece, because it is now being played in Brussels. The EU says that the member states must coordinate and follow a common line in the IMO meetings. Therefore, nothing can be said. which oppose what the majority supports. ”

“Before each meeting at the IMO, a meeting of the EU member states is held in Brussels, in which our country is represented by only one person of the Greek Coast Guard. We need a stronger presence there,” he noted and concluded:

“Europeans listen to you when you make logical arguments. So we have the opportunity to formulate several European positions with informed views and studies, so that the EU can take a more realistic approach when it comes to IMO meetings.”

Cooperation and vigilance

The president and CEO of StealthGas, Haris Vafeias, spoke about the need for a partnership between the shipping associations in order to hear the positions of the shipowners at the institutional level. “Today, we see 10-15 different shipping organizations, which separates our forces and limits the possibility of influencing the decisions made for us internationally,” he said.

“If we followed the examples of the automotive and aviation industries, where everyone works together to advance their demands, we would do much better, in the face of unfavorable regulations,” he added.

“We must be vigilant and not let the cost of any proposed regulations be passed on to shipowners,” said Stamatis Tsantanis, president and CEO of Seanergy Maritime Holdings.