Filenews 14 October 2025
The Cyprus Shipowners' Association (KEP) has made an urgent appeal to the Member States of the European Union and the Government of the Republic of Cyprus to vote against the proposed Net-Zero Framework (NZF) of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), which is being considered at the MEPC ES.2 meeting on 14–17 October.
In a statement, the JEP emphasizes that, as formulated, the NZF poses a serious threat to Europe's shipping, economy and energy security, as it will entail high costs without substantial environmental benefit.
According to the Union, the NZF amounts to "a multi-billion euro tax that does not reduce emissions but passes on the cost to consumers", further exacerbating inflation in the European Union.
The JEP warns that the framework imposes excessive charges while there are no technologies or infrastructure yet available for full compliance. In addition, it relies on "green fuels" such as methanol, ammonia, hydrogen, and synthetic LNG, which are not available on an industrial scale and require more energy than they yield.
The Union points out that shipping carries more than 90% of global trade, and any additional costs will lead to price increases for goods and services, a higher cost of living and intensifying inflation.
It also warns of a threat to fleet viability and destabilisation of the global supply chain, due to ship shortages and increased transport costs, which will particularly hit small and medium-sized shipping companies.
Impact on Europe's energy security
The JEP underlines that Europe remains dependent on imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG), at an already high cost, which will be further increased with the implementation of the NZF. This, he says, will cause a rise in energy prices and a worsening of the energy crisis, affecting households and industry.
The Union stresses that international shipping is the most efficient and sustainable means of transport, having already achieved significant emission reductions through technological innovation and operational optimisation.
The JEP calls on Cyprus and EU member states to support a global incentive mechanism for decarbonisation and to reject "unfair, inefficient and harmful multi-billion euro tax schemes".
In conclusion, the KEP calls for more time to be given for consensus and technical preparation, so that each solution is based on research, innovation and realistic scientific data, protecting the economy, the environment and consumers.
