Page 34 - ΝΑΥΤΙΚΑ ΧΡΟΝΙΚΑ - SEPT 2025

Third-party management

Decarbonisation is a global issue and requires However, if we all want to move towards
global measures. The task is undoubtedly complex, decarbonisation, we must accept that
and the current level of clarity is insufficient. the habits of the average consumer must
change, too.
Finally, what concerns me is the fact
that many countries are coming up with
their own decarbonisation taxes, such as
the UK ETS, a development that may
further complicate the matter, which
is already complex enough as it is. I don’t
believe we have ever been in a more
complex shipping environment.

How is V.Group preparing for
the integration of alternative fuels,
such as ammonia, methanol,
or LNG, into its managed fleet?
I don’t think there is an ultimate solution
to decarbonisation. There are plenty
of options: optimising vessels through
retrofitting, the way they are painted,
the way their hulls are cleaned, etc.
These initiatives are progressing. Ship-
ping has always had its frontrunners,
and we must applaud them for con-
management of borrowings, and the politicians working on this subject tinuing to push forward. I don’t
assurance that there is enough capital have been given a difficult task. The burden know which solution will prevail, but
for investments, among many other for shipowners is massive, and figuring out if I were to guess, I would say that
things. I have been a shipowner for a way to deal with the complexities small nuclear reactors could be a
the better part of my life, and I firmly is crucial. Measures like these have potential answer. Of course, there
believe that the latter is the most impor- not been implemented before. As of are a plethora of issues that need
tant part today. this moment, this is uncharted territory, to be addressed before nuclear reactors
Ship management can make a meaning- and we need to address it. are implemented as a source of propul-
ful difference, as it seems to be adapting Shipping companies may try to address sion. However, I do see it as a potential
well to the complexities shipping is cur- regulatory requirements as quickly option in the future, depending on the
rently facing, which gives us a good grasp as possible, but bureaucracy, along with investment model every company fol-
of our role within the industry and allows us many other barriers, continues to hinder lows.
to keep on doing what we do best. this effort. Decarbonisation is a global Hydrogen, ammonia, and alternative
Moreover, scalability is a key factor when issue and requires global measures. fuels in general all have limitations
facing complexities. A small ship man- The task is undoubtedly complex, and related to their supply chain, availabil-
agement company will be faced with the the current level of clarity is insufficient. ity, and the cost of large-scale produc-
same complexities, questions, and costs In my view, things will get worse before tion. The alternative fuel that manages
as a large one, but has a limited number they get better. We have yet to see to overcome these obstacles will be
of vessels over which to distribute them. the introduction of a uniform tax system the winner. However, at the moment,
Therefore, whether on the shipowning or incentives for reinvestments in decar- most countries are more focused on
or the ship management side, com- bonisation. Any tax collected should be the electrification of land-based infra-
plexity demands scale. Scalability will reinvested into addressing the challenges structure than on finding the right alter-
play a pivotal role over the next decade, posed by decarbonisation pressures native fuel for shipping.
as it is essential to cover the costs and requirements. Decarbonisation is a huge challenge,
of an increasingly complicated world. Moving on, all things being equal, some but we can play our part by supporting
of the costs should also be passed onto shipowners. V.Ships has a dedicated
Do you believe the current regulatory consumers, not borne by the shipping end-to-end department to address all
framework (IMO, EU ETS, etc.) companies alone. We need to explain emerging issues. At the same time, we
provides sufficient clarity for long- to young people, for instance, that their leverage technology and digital solutions
term investment decisions? shoes will be more expensive. There is to calculate emissions, ensuring alignment
Although the clarity provided seems a tendency to ask what shipping com- with CII and EEXI requirements.
limited, I acknowledge the fact that panies can do to become more efficient.

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