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\u201cIt is not possible to punish shipowners for using oil when there is currently nothing available to replace it,\u201d he said, adding: \u201cIt is completely unfair. If viable alternatives existed, we would gradually move toward those alternatives \u2014 ammonia, ethanol, perhaps even nuclear energy in the future.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBut introducing a new regulation today that penalizes shipowners and forces them to pay enormous amounts to the IMO \u2014 and who knows what ultimately happens to that money \u2014 is, in my view, crazy.<\/p>\n
Moreover, ammonia and ethanol have not yet demonstrated proven performance in engine combustion, while the necessary supply infrastructure is also lacking,\u201d Vafias added.<\/p>\n
As he explained: \u201cShipowners are going to shipyards and ordering new vessels, often at very high prices. Therefore we cannot be punished because engines meeting the latest emissions specifications are not being manufactured.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI believe this regulation is unfair and will be shelved for a long period of time, with significant support from the United States.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe need to move forward with gradual, practical steps that can actually be implemented, rather than measures that amount to little more than…<\/p>\n<\/div>\n