In particular, Cyprus representatives talked about the various challenges the shipping sector faces at both European and global level, emphasising the strategic importance of Cyprus shipping and the commitment of the shipping sector to its decarbonisation. During the session challenges were addressed of reducing the carbon footprint of shipping, fuel efficiency, and alternative energy sources and furthermore explored the potential of emerging technologies in this direction. Collaboration and partnerships were also a key theme and discussed the importance of collaboration between industry stakeholders to foster innovation, drive sustainable development, and promote responsible business practices.

Dimitris Fafalios, UGS Secretary, underlined at the session “Charting A Course To A Sustainable & Efficient Industry”, in which he participated:

“The Greek shipping community is committed to shipping’s decarbonisation and has always supported global policies based on sustainable, viable and workable solutions adopted at the IMO. Global regulations are necessary to avoid distortion of competition. The shipping industry will fully embrace new technologies as they became mature but there must be also a balance between efficiency and decarbonization.

Most importantly, it is vital that safety is paramount as the guiding principle in all environmental regulations. Alternative fuels and technologies must be safe, cost-effective, fit-for-purpose and available worldwide in sufficient quantities. And these new tools must come from out of the shipping sector stakeholders, under whose remit their production and supply falls.  In any case, there cannot be protection of the environment without protection of safety at sea, that is, safety of crews, safety of vessels, safety of fuels.”