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Decarbonization
discussions continue in Lemesos for the Maritime Cyprus 2022 Conference |
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Highlights
from panel discussions on day two of the Conference The second
day of the Maritime Cyprus 2022 conference built on the momentum initiated on
the first day. Hundreds of distinguished speakers, panelists and attendees
from around the world participated, solidifying its reputation as one of the
most successful shipping conferences worldwide. The first session of the day “Towards zero emissions in Shipping: What is the tipping point?” was moderated by Mr Sveinung Oftedal, Specialist Director, Norwegian Ministry of Climate and Environment. On the panel was Dr John Kokarakis, Technical Director, South East Europe, Black Sea and Adriatic Zone, Bureau Veritas, Dr Henning Brauer, Technical Director, Gesellschaft für Oeltransporte mbH (GEFO) and Mr Panos Zachariadis, Technical Director, Atlantic Bulk Carriers Management Ltd. Panelists discussed incoming
changes to the regulatory landscape, and its effects on shipping as the
industry transitions towards sustainability. Conversation largely focussed on
the alternative fuels under consideration, with the panel exploring the
viability of each to various areas – and the need for these solutions to be
compatible with existing port infrastructure and ships. Methanol was
highlighted by Mr Panos Zachariadis as a strong candidate for bulk, as well
as other segments. Dr John Kokarakis championed LNG as a viable solution,
available today, explaining how methane slip is actively being reduced.
Regulation was also discussed and the value of mid-term measures but also
market-based measures. Dr Henning Brauer and Dr John
Kokarakis both commented that regional measures, such as those imposed by the
EU, are unnecessary in the short term, and believe the International Maritime
Organization (IMO) should be the primary regulatory body. This, they said,
would ensure global consistency. Mr Panos Zachariadis, however, emphasized
the value in EU measures, which encourage the IMO to further develop their
regulations package. It was agreed that industry-wide collaboration is
required to ensure effectiveness of current and future regulations. The second panel focused on “Taxonomy in Shipping – A panacea or
a detour to sustainable/green finance?”.Mr Nicolas Bornozis,
President and CEO, Capital Link, Inc was moderator for the session. The panel
included Ms Fotini Ioannidou, Deputy Director Waterborne Transport, Head of
Unit Maritime Safety, DG MOVE, European Commission, Ms Katalin Dobranszky,
Senior Director, Innovation, Finance and Fiscal Affairs, ECSA, Mr Thanasis
Antonakis, CFO, Safe Bulkers, Inc, and Mr Sean McLaughlin, Strategy
Consultant, Houlder Ltd. The panel covered how taxonomy does, and will
continue to, affect investment in technologies and processes that form a key
part of driving sustainability in shipping. Ms Fotini Ioannidou opened the
panel with a short, clarifying presentation on current EC taxonomy
legislation, which covers every sector – including aviation. The presentation
highlighted the EC’s objectives to become climate neutral continent by 2050,
a goal which requires huge investment not only in shipping, but all transport
sectors. Ms Fotini Ioannidou concluded that a key objective is to develop an
international solution through close collaboration with other regions. Pointing to the industry’s
preparedness, Mr Sean McLaughlin commented on the lack of awareness among
shipowners of the importance of taxonomy. “The industry needs to take note,
and action, on regulatory reporting, to ensure success. Waiting for the
regulatory landscape to settle is not a viable or sustainable strategy,” he
said. Driving his point home, he brought the audience’s attention to the
importance of retrofitting, and the value the variety of solutions currently
available to offer to shipping in efforts to reduce the environmental impact
of the 60,000 vessels currently in operation. Taking place during the
afternoon on the second day of the conference, the Young Executives Session,
titled “Defining the 4th C
(Change) through Womanning & YoungShipping minds”,
offered an interactive, capacity-building and problem-solving session for
shipping executives under the age of 40. This session was organized in
collaboration with Young Ship Cyprus and WISTA Cyprus for young shipping
professionals and moderated by the Shipping Deputy Minister to the President,
Mr Vassilios Demetriades. Within the framework of
creating the necessary environment for young people to be included in, and
inspired by maritime affairs, seek jobs within the industry and provide them
with future career development, the session is a forum for young shipping
professionals to debate career related shipping issues and discuss their
vision of the industry, opportunities and challenges that stimulate and
affect them. Organised as a teambuilding
activity rather than a typical panel discussion, it has managed to attract
young professionals and women, encouraging their involvement in the
challenging nature of the industry whilst considering ways to engage and
communicate a positive image of the sector to the young generation. (MG) |
