Page 44 - Demo

To what extent does EU regional legislation affect the competitiveness of small and medium-sized companies, which are the backbone of European shipping?Shipping is a global industry, and its regulatory framework must reflect that reality. Measures introduced at a regional level, such as those developed within the EU, create fragmentation and distort the level playing field on which international shipping depends.European shipping, and particularly the dry bulk sector, is largely composed of small and medium-sized companies. These operators form the backbone of the industry, yet they are often the most affected by complex and overlapping regulatory requirements.INTERCARGO has consistently maintained that environmental and operational regulations for shipping should be developed and implemented solely at the global level through the IMO. Regional measures risk imposing disproportionate administrative burdens and additional costs while creating uncertainty for operators trading worldwide.Once global regulations are agreed upon at the IMO, we believe that regional regimes should be withdrawn or aligned accordingly to restore regulatory clarity and maintain a level playing field for the global fleet.How concerned is INTERCARGO about the risk of fragmented regulation instead of a single global framework under the IMO?The risk of regulatory fragmentation is one of the most serious challenges facing the shipping industry today.Shipping operates globally and therefore requires a unified regulatory framework. The IMO provides the appropriate platform for developing such regulations. However, it is essential that the process remains focused on practical, technically sound solutions.Unfortunately, within the IMO structure, the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) often reflects broader political tensions among governments beyond the purely maritime world. On the other hand, bodies such as the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) have traditionally benefited from strong input INTERCARGO has consistently maintained that environmental and operational regulations for shipping should be developed and implemented solely at the global level through the IMO. Regional measures risk imposing disproportionate administrative burdens and additional costs while creating uncertainty for operators trading worldwide.from engineers, technical experts, and industry practitioners, which aligns more closely with the IMO%u2019s DNA. Maintaining a balance between political ambition and technical realism is crucial.Governments should put aside political positioning and focus on developing realistic, affordable, and scalable solutions that can be implemented across the global fleet. Shipping%u2019s energy transition is an enormous challenge that will only succeed if regulatory frameworks are grounded in technical feasibility and economic sustainability.Dry bulk vessels carry over 50% of global trade; therefore, the sector's specific challenges should not be ignored.How is INTERCARGO working alongside other international maritime organisations to help drive and shape the future direction of the shipping industry?Collaboration across the maritime industry is essential, particularly as the sector faces the dual challenge of regulatory transformation and the pressure to transition to new fuels and technologies.INTERCARGO actively participates in the Round Table of international shipping associations, working with other key industry players to coordinate their positions and engage constructively with governments and regulators at the IMO. Through this platform, the industry is able to present unified views on key issues affecting global shipping.At the same time, INTERCARGO maintains close cooperation with a wide range of regional and national shipping organisations, including the Union of Greek Shipowners (UGS), as well as other maritime stakeholders. This broader dialogue helps ensure that the operational realities of the dry bulk sector are reflected in policy discussions. By combining global engagement with strong industry-wide cooperation, INTERCARGO seeks to contribute constructively to shaping a regulatory environment that safeguards safety, protects seafarers, and enables shipping to continue supporting global trade.The recent launch of our Advisory Associate membership, engaging global P&I Clubs, Flag Administrations, and Classification Societies, is very much in line with these strategic goals.Representation of dry cargo shipowners44 NX