Union of Greek Shipowners President Melina Travlos: “The proposed IMO Net-Zero Framework, Clearly Is Not The Solution”

Melina Travlos, President of the Union of Greek Shipowners, has expressed concerns regarding the current trajectory of international maritime regulations. According to a report by Hellenic Shipping News, Travlos argues that the proposed IMO Net-Zero Framework lacks the necessary functionality to serve as a viable solution. She emphasized that while the industry is committed to decarbonization, regulatory targets must remain realistic to avoid placing excessive burdens on global economies.

The organization is instead advocating for a regulatory foundation based on proposals submitted by Panama and Liberia. These alternatives are viewed as more balanced approaches because they account for the practical availability, scalability, and cost of alternative fuels. Travlos noted that Japan has also acknowledged the importance of these specific parameters in determining the future pathway for reducing carbon intensity across the global shipping sector.

Central to the industry's position is the recognition of energy efficiency as a primary tool for emission reductions, particularly while sustainable fuels remain scarce or expensive. The Union of Greek Shipowners is calling on IMO member states to prioritize industry feedback to ensure that new measures are economically viable. Travlos concluded that progress in the green transition should be measured by what is achievable "in practice" rather than theoretical planning.