Page 51 - ΝΑΥΤΙΚΑ ΧΡΟΝΙΚΑ - ΜΑΙΟΣ 2024

The President of Louis Dreyfus Armateurs S.A., Philippe Louis-Dreyfus, elaborates on the
main challenges currently facing the shipping industry, from environmental regulations
and technological uncertainties to concerns about the industry’s public image.

EUROPEAN

SHIPOWNERS

TRYING TO CHART

THE FUTURE OF

SHIPPING

Philippe Louis-Dreyfus, ❶ In light of the current surge in envi- considered of high importance. In any case, bulk/
President of Louis ronmental regulations in the shipping tramp shipping alone accounts for over 70% of
Dreyfus Armateurs S.A. industry at a time when all available world shipping. Nevertheless, some shipowners
and former President
of ECSA & BIMCO technological solutions have uncertain in the ferry or liner business still felt worried and
results, you have frequently advo- did not support the idea in the beginning.
talks to cated speed reduction to minimise Also, any such measure should not only apply
Giannis Theodoropoulos shipping’s carbon footprint. Why do to France or Europe but worldwide and must be
you think such a proposal is not being decided and implemented by the IMO, which
heard by international legislators even unfortunately could not garner a majority for such
though it can be implemented immedi- a decision. That really came as a surprise.
ately and have definite results? Lastly, I am not convinced that everyone in the
For many years now, I have been advocat- maritime cluster favours such a measure. Clients
ing speed limitation as an obvious solution for and charterers, who often have a short-term per-
reducing maritime emissions. This idea is easy to spective, see more problems than advantages in
understand - all car drivers are aware of it; speed speed reduction. There is also a lot of profit to be
limitation carries no substantial cost and is imme- made from discovering the most appropriate fuel
diately efficient. Normally, it should also be easy and the most efficient engine or ship design, even
to implement. However, as you have mentioned, though these are neither immediately efficient
it has faced criticism, if not outright opposition, nor the most economical solutions.
much of which is irrelevant. All of this is deeply disappointing. However, the
I have always emphasised that speed limitation new regulations on shipping are stringent enough
should be applied to bulk transportation, leaving to make speed reduction the only possible solu-
out ferries and liner services, for which speed is tion until new technologies become available.

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