Gkonis (Intercargo): By deciding to include shipping in the ETS on emissions, European politicians have proved to be regional decision-makers with a narrow mindset

For Intercargo, the recent green light from the Eu Parliament Including maritime transport in the ETS "far from being a significant contribution to achieving these objectives is, on the other hand, a confirmation of how far away is the thinking of European decision-makers global dimensions of the maritime sector.' "The challenges of global problems - noted the shipping association - need to be addressed and resolved globally: International Maritime Organization (IMO) - today Intercargo as in recent days Intertanko and ECSA - works to ensure a level playing field globally, unlike European regulations or other regional regulations. The latter have proved ineffective, as they create distortions and multilevel markets, or even tensions commercially.'

Intercargo pointed out that at this point an in-depth assessment of the impact of inclusion is imperative shipping in the EU's ETS. The ETS of the European Union - explained the association - it risks provoking retaliation increased emissions and the decline of ports European. There is a danger - warned Intercargo - that the centers should be set up just outside the EU's borders and large and efficient bulk carriers. More ships greenhouse gas-efficient transport will therefore transport loads to EU ports that will lose the efficiency achieved thanks to technology and size. In short, it will occur carbon leakage.'

Highlighting that "the challenge to decarbonise transport maritime is huge', Intercargo recalled that "the IMO's initial strategy and adoption of the greenhouse gas roadmap focuses on the implementation of short, medium and long-term measures Term. The shipowners, the association said, responded responsibly to the challenge by presenting the proposal for a five billion dollars in research and development as a contribution complementary long-term supplementary absolutely necessary to start chain of innovation, investment, manufacturing and adoption part of the market for innovative technologies and energy carriers ( 18 December 2019, ndr)'.

"The sector," noted the Secretary-General of Intercargo, Kostas Gkonis - needs fuel suppliers and energy, engine manufacturers, shipbuilders and renters to meet the IMO's goals. Involve these key stakeholders have undoubtedly been the biggest challenge for the IMO. Now - he noted - it is added another challenge: change the thinking of regional decision-makers narrow-mindedness and get them to see the picture wider. The inclusion of maritime transport in the ETS EU - concluded Gkonis - is essentially a mechanism money raising, essentially disconnected from work in the IMO, and risks undermining a global solution on greenhouse gases."