![Shipowners’ Association: Support for the proposal for a Center for Alternative Marine Fuels and Technologies](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/efoplistes.jpg)
The Hellenic Shipowners’ Association (HSA) welcomes the timely initiative of the Greek Prime Minister, Mr. Kyriakos Mitsotakis, to propose to the European Commission the establishment of a European Research Center for Alternative Marine Fuels and Technologies for the carbonization of the maritime sector.
“We support the Prime Minister’s proposal for the creation of a Research Center for Alternative Marine Fuels and Technologies in the European Union. With its maritime know-how, long-term experience and scientific training, Greece, as the first shipping country in the world, can substantially contribute to this goal. “We look forward to working with the European institutions and all stakeholders to promote the Greek initiative, in order to support the great effort required to have real environmental benefits alongside a sustainable European shipping,” said the EU President. Theodoros Veniamis.
The Shipowners’ Association has pointed out from the outset the lack of widely available technology that can offer a substantial reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from ships. Without new marine fuels and related technologies available worldwide, carbon-free shipping will not be possible in a timely manner. In addition, the European Commission’s proposal to extend the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS) to international shipping is absolutely necessary to be in line with the “polluter pays” principle, which implies the commercial operator’s compliance with the requirements. This principle is recognized in the context of this proposal of the Greek Prime Minister to the European Commission, the EU emphasizes in its announcement.
“We appreciate the recognition of the irreplaceable role of maritime transport for the EU and the world at large, and the recognition of the responsibility of non-maritime stakeholders, such as fuel producers and suppliers, charterers, shipyards and shipbuilding means for de-carbonization. Without their catalytic contribution, the shipping sector will remain trapped in coal and its long-term viability will be seriously threatened,” Mr Veniamis continued.
“We also declare our readiness to cooperate with the international community and all stakeholders in the International Maritime Organization, with which Greece maintains strong cohesive ties. “Greek shipowners are committed to assisting in the decoupling of the shipping industry, as soon as possible, from coal, contributing the most in this direction”, stressed Mr. Veniamis.
![ot.gr](/wp-content/themes/whsk_otgr/common/imgs/fav.ico/favicon-32x32.png)
![ot.gr](/wp-content/themes/whsk_otgr/common/imgs/fav.ico/favicon-32x32.png)
Latest News
![Critical Week for Greece-Cyprus Cable](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/kalodio_elladas_cyprus_israil.jpeg)
Critical Week for Greece-Cyprus Cable
The study concluded that the social benefits of the interconnection, totaling 8 billion euros, far outweigh its 1.9 billion euros construction cost, resulting in a net social benefit exceeding 6 billion euros.
![Roberta Metsola Re-elected President of European Parliament](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2024-07-16T110250Z_1107936467_RC2BW8AZP0U4_RTRMADP_5_EU-PARLIAMENT-2048x1366-1-600x400.jpg)
Roberta Metsola Re-elected President of European Parliament
Her second term will be for a period of two and a half years
![ELSTAT: 1.5% Increase in Business Turnover in May 2024](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/epixeiriseis_2-600x414.jpg)
ELSTAT: 1.5% Increase in Business Turnover in May 2024
The most significant increase in turnover in May 2024 compared with May 2023 was recorded from the enterprises of the Accommodation and Food Service Activities, sector which grew by 14.8%.
![Cosco: Container Traffic Decline at Piraeus Port Continues](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/olp1-scaled-1-2048x1312-1-600x384.jpg)
Cosco: Container Traffic Decline at Piraeus Port Continues
This strategic shift has diminished Piraeus's standing as a prominent Mediterranean port and a key transshipment hub post-Suez Canal.
![Gov’t Eyes Return of Power Subsidies Amid Spike in Rates](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/power-lines-2048x1365-1-600x400.jpg)
Gov’t Eyes Return of Power Subsidies Amid Spike in Rates
According to reports, the government will resume an electricity subsidization program, given that forecasts cite disruptions – i.e. higher rates
![ELSTAT: 6.3% Increase in Output Price Index for Agriculture and Livestock](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/ot_georg_PROIONTA_money-1-600x352.png)
ELSTAT: 6.3% Increase in Output Price Index for Agriculture and Livestock
The 6.3% rise in May 2024 is largely driven by an 8.8% increase in the crop output group, particularly due to changes in olive oil prices, and a 0.5% increase in the animal output group.
![Balkans Blackout Highlights Climate Threats to Power Grids](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/blackout-1-600x457.png)
Balkans Blackout Highlights Climate Threats to Power Grids
The surge in electricity demand during the heat wave and the power deficit in Balkan markets have driven up prices in the Greek wholesale electricity market.
![Greece in Top 4 Destinations Favored by European Tourists](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/ploio-600x400.jpg)
Greece in Top 4 Destinations Favored by European Tourists
Greece was selected by 5.9% of respondents who were asked where they would vacation this year, up from 5.4% in the same survey last year
![Scope Affirms Greece’s BBB- Ratings; Revises Outlook to Positive](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/euros-2048x1365-1-600x400.jpg)
Scope Affirms Greece’s BBB- Ratings; Revises Outlook to Positive
The international ratings firm raised Greece to investment grade in early August 2023
![First Seaplane Test Flights to Skopelos, Alonissos, Skyros](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/hellenic-seaplanes-pilotikes-ptiseis-ydatino-pedio-lavriou-600x450.jpeg)
First Seaplane Test Flights to Skopelos, Alonissos, Skyros
After decades of on-again, off-again efforts to schedule regular seaplane routes to Greece's numerous island and coastal destinations the prospect now appears within sight