Union of Greek Shipowners head Melina Travlos told a press conference on the final day of Posidonia 2026 that while the International Maritime Organization (IMO) is listening and understanding the positions of Greek and other shipowners on the infamous Net Zero Framework (NZF), the European Commission and many European politicians choose not to listen, just as Asian rivals get considerable boost from state subsidies.
As the 29th edition of the biennial Posidonia Exhibition drew to a close on Friday at the Metropolitan Expo center, cementing its position as the world’s premier maritime business platform and the essential forum for setting the policy agenda of an industry that moves 87% of global trade, the association of Greek shippers, with their commanding position in the industry, had the final say – as always – on the hot issues that were debated the entire week, from the Red Sea and Strait of Hormuz disruptions, and protectionist trade policies to the accelerating and controversial IMO 2030/2050 decarbonization timeline.
The highly anticipated UGS press conference was held in a packed room, with strong attendance by representatives of Greek and international media. President Travlos answered questions covering the full spectrum of the shipping industry at national, European and international level, but focused particularly on the burning issue of NZF and the regulatory conditions within the European Union.
