Cyprus Union of Shipowners President Polys V. Hajioannou has elaborated on the Union's concerns about the upcoming vote on the proposed Net- Zero Framework (NZF) of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), scheduled for adoption at the MEPC ES.2 session taking place 14–17 October.
His statements, exclusively to CBN, come after the Union issued a statement strongly urging the Member States of the European Union, and the Government of the Republic of Cyprus in particular, to vote against the proposed change during the current session, so as to allow more time for wider consensus.
Commenting on the proposed Net-Zero Framework, the President of the Cyprus Union of Shipowners, Polys V. Hajioannou, stated, "The Net-Zero Framework, as it stands, poses a serious threat to European shipping and energy security. It places the heaviest burden on small and medium-sized shipping companies - the backbone of our industry - and yet it does not actually cut emissions in a meaningful way. What it does do is pile on billions in extra costs that end up passed to consumers, driving up inflation and shaking economic stability across the EU.
"At CUS, we believe in a green transition that is fair, effective, and inclusive. That is why we are calling on the Cyprus Government and all EU Member States to vote against the current proposal. We must take the time to build real consensus within IMO including large maritime nations like USA, to where Cypriot ships trade a lot, and craft a framework that truly reduces emissions without crippling Europe’s shipping sector or its economy."
Also read: Cyprus Union of Shipowners urges EU Member States to reject proposed IMO Net-Zero Framework
