Greece joins Saudi Arabia and the US in opposing the UN's maritime CO2 tax, urging fair rules for shipping emissions amid ongoing negotiations.
The European Commission urged unity after Greece aligned with Saudi Arabia and the United States in opposing the UN's International Maritime Organization's Net-Zero Framework, reports Denmark's Shipping Telegraph.
Greek Environment Minister Stavros Papastavrou met Saudi Arabia's Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman in Riyadh last week. Both countries agreed to submit a joint proposal on shipping emissions before the IMO's new deadline.
The IMO postponed the adoption of the Net-Zero Framework to October 2025 after the US rejection, delaying the vote until October 2026. Washington warned of sanctions, visa restrictions, and port penalties against nations backing the carbon tax.
Greek Maritime Minister Vasilis Kikilias stated that shipping requires fair rules accepted by all states, not punitive mechanisms. He argued that LNG should be used as a transitional fuel, noting that zero-emission alternatives are not yet available.
The Union of Greek Shipowners called the framework unrealistic but welcomed the delay as a chance to shape a practical plan. Athens expressed its readiness to lead with evidence-based proposals for a fair and enforceable transition.
