August 8 2025

UGS concerned about IMO decision on medium-term measures to reduce emissions from ships

The Union of Greek Shipowners (UGS) has published its annual report, expressing concern about the actual policies of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) on issues related to the energy transition.

UGS President Melina Travlos noted in her statement that in the international arena of energy transition, Greek shipowners have consistently supported “viable global solutions rather than unilateral regional measures that weaken the sustainability of the industry.” She stresses: “In this regard, the recent IMO decision on medium-term measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from ships raises serious concerns. Although the shipping industry participated constructively in lengthy discussions and negotiations, its pragmatic proposals were only partially taken into account and were not satisfactorily reflected.”

As IAA PortNews reported earlier, at the 83rd session of the IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 83), held in April 2025, draft amendments to Annex VI of the MARPOL Convention were approved, including IMO medium-term measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The draft amendments will be considered for adoption at an extraordinary session of the MEPC in October 2025.

The essence of the medium-term measures is the creation of a special Net Zero fund, which will collect fees from ships that do not comply with gradually tightening emission requirements; calculation of emissions over the entire life cycle of fuel and gradual tightening of emission requirements.

“The decision is the result of a balancing act between conflicting interests and compromises among various member states, which will make its implementation very challenging,” says UGS President Melina Travlos.

The report by the Union of Greek Shipowners, citing Clarksons and the IMO, states: “Between 2019 and 2023, global maritime transport increased by 7.4% (in tonne-kilometres). At the same time, the carbon intensity of the fleet decreased by 9.7%. In 2023, international shipping accounted for 1.4% of global greenhouse gas emissions, despite its global importance (almost 90% of all trade cargo is transported by sea). This is less than 1/20th of the emissions of the world’s largest polluter (the report does not specify who is the largest polluter – Ed.).”

Reference

As of 2025, the Greek fleet consists of 5,691 vessels, which is approximately 20% of the world’s deadweight fleet capacity. This makes Greece the largest owner of a seagoing fleet in the world. The Greek merchant fleet has increased its deadweight by 42% over the past 10 years. It is concentrated primarily in the tramp/bulk segment.

Source: https://portnews.ru/news/380346/