Greek shipowners applaud European Parliament amendments to EU ETS

The Union of Greek Shipowners welcome the inclusion of commercial operators in the proposed amendments of the EU Emission Trading System (EU ETS), after concerns were raised by the World Shipping Council (WSC).

PHOTO: The Port of Piraeus by Athens, Greece. Getty Images

WSC, which represents the international liner shipping industry, had voiced disapproval of certain proposed amendments, such as incorporating a binding clause in contracts that might shield shipowners from EU ETS cost while the commercial operators will be more accountable.

“A regional EU ETS carbon price must apply to all parties who have role in GHG reductions- shipowners and operators,” WSC president and chief executive John Butler said last week.

The Union of Greek Shipowners (UGC) represents bulk and tramp shipowners, a sector that carries almost 85% of global cargo measured in mt per mile.

The shipowner group says the proposed EU ETS amendments acknowledge the structural role of commercial operators in the decarbonisation of the shipping industry.

Unlike the bulk and tramp shipping sectors, container liner companies only partially operate chartered tonnage commercially and could easily pass over EU ETS cost to customers, says UGC.

A final EU vote on the amendments is expected in June this year.