78th United Nations General Assembly
“Opportunities: Renewable Oceans and Sustainable Maritime Industry Initiatives”
The President of the Eugenides Foundation and IMO Goodwill Maritime Ambassador, Leonidas Dimitriadis-Evgenidis, addressed the Science Conference of the 78th General Assembly of the United Nations and highlighted the role and contribution of the shipping industry in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
In the discussion on initiatives for a sustainable shipping industry, Mr. Leonidas Dimitriadis-Evgenidis noted the decisive importance that shipping plays for the European economy as 75% of foreign trade is carried out by sea, while he emphasized that the Greek fleet is fully committed to implementation of zero emissions by 2050, supporting all intermediate steps.
“We’re on a good road when it comes to shipping. We use the new ships and new engines that shipyards and companies build for us. And that’s what we’re trying to use in the most efficient way to reduce the footprint. And we accept that the one who pollutes the most must have consequences. I’d rather see a lot more funds in research and find ways and means to reduce our footprint and be proactive. There are undoubtedly too many studies and there are so many different ways, and the personal belief is that it is very difficult to have a single way and a system that would satisfy in the same way that we have been operating for the last decades in shipping. Of course, we live in a complex world with complex problems. However, we need to make sure that whatever solution prevails, it is very important that it is technologically mature with a holistic approach. It’s a long process where industry, academia, the right research, and the right impact studies, have to be properly tested. Because time is against us.” he stated.
