Page 29 - ΝΑΥΤΙΚΑ ΧΡΟΝΙΚΑ - ΜΑΙΟΣ 2024

Torben Carlsen, Danish Shipping’s Chairman and CEO of DFDS, talks about the inclusion
of shipping in the EU ETS and the industry’s imperative for unity amidst challenges.
Mr Carlsen delves into critical aspects of Danish shipping, addressing the measures
taken to combat bullying and harassment on board ships and the key to attracting the
younger generation to maritime professions.

UNITY

IS A MUST

Torben Carlsen, ❶ The shipping industry has been facing ❷ What outcomes does Danish Shipping
Chairman of Danish Shipping significant challenges on the environ- expect from the implementation of
and CEO of DFDS
mental front. Have these challenges the ETS? Do you think this measure
talks to enhanced the dialogue among ship- undermines the IMO’s role in guiding
Giannis Theodoropoulos owners’ associations throughout the industry’s efforts to reduce ship-
Europe? How would you describe your ping’s environmental footprint?
relationship with the Union of Greek With its inclusion in the EU ETS, the European
Shipowners? shipping sector signals its willingness and com-
Current regulations on climate and environmen- mitment to being part of the solution to climate
tal matters have undoubtedly emphasised the change. While there may be some initial flaws
need for dialogue and coordination among Euro- with the regulation since maritime transport is
pean shipowners’ associations. Our European a new sector in the ETS, industry stakeholders
sister organisation, the European Community and the European Commission have a genuine
Shipowners Association (ECSA), has played a desire to ensure its effectiveness.
crucial role in facilitating this dialogue. In times I disagree with the notion that the EU ETS has
like these, unity is a must, even if built on a foun- an undermining role. For more than 20 years,
dation of compromise. the EU has been calling upon the IMO to take
Within the ECSA, we maintain a strong and open action. The EU ETS prompted the IMO to deliver
collaboration with our Greek and European col- an ambitious strategy and a timeline, a signif-
leagues, regularly presenting shared positions. The icant and beneficial achievement for all of us
bottom line is that our strength lies in unity, and advocating global regulations in the industry.
while complete unity may not always be feasible, Following the IMO's historic agreement last year
it allows for open discussions on opposing views. on a new strategy calling for climate neutral-
As major players in European shipping, Greece ity by around 2050, there is now an ambitious
and Denmark have built a solid relationship of schedule ahead. It is imperative that the IMO
mutual respect over the years. We anticipate this agree upon the global climate regulation for the
relationship will only strengthen going forward shipping sector by the end of 2025, establishing
as we share a common understanding of our one regulatory scheme for shipping, i.e., a level
differences and interests. playing field for the entire shipping industry. The

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