In Saudi Arabia, Euractiv reports Greece announced it is working with the United States and Saudi Arabia on a new proposal to reduce shipping emissions, bypassing the European Union’s coordination process at the International Maritime Organization. Greek Energy Minister Stavros Papastavrou confirmed the effort after meeting with his Saudi counterpart in Riyadh, saying the countries will submit a joint plan through their shipping and energy ministries.
The move follows Greece’s October abstention from a key IMO vote on the Net-Zero Shipping Framework, which proposed a carbon price on high-emission marine fuels. That vote was postponed for a year after opposition from Washington and Riyadh.
EU rules require member states to form common positions through the Commission on matters under exclusive competence. One EU diplomat told Euractiv that “member states do not align themselves with third-country camps.”
A Greek government source later said Athens still supports green transition goals and intends to work with all stakeholders, including European partners. The European Commission has not yet issued a formal response.
Greece is home to one of the world’s largest shipping fleets and has now diverged twice from the bloc’s official line on international maritime climate policy.
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Category: Sustainable Marine Fuels
