Green transition and geopolitical challenges

Intercargo president Yannis Xylas sent a clear message about the need to take specific and clear measures ahead of the resumption of the IMO debate on the roadmap for the decarbonization of shipping.

Based on the annual report of the International Association of Dry Cargo Lines (Intercargo), which reflects an environment of increased challenges, the Association’s management pointed out that 2025 was a year of intense geopolitical and regulatory uncertainty.

In essence, developments in the Middle East, attacks in the Red Sea and the ongoing discussion in the International Maritime Organization (IMO) on the decarbonization framework (Net-Zero Framework) directly affect the operation of bulk carriers.

As emphasized, the transition to net zero must remain realistic, technically feasible and globally harmonized, so as not to create distortions or risks to the safety and competitiveness of the sector.

According to Xylas, as dry bulk shipping is at the heart of the energy transition, Intercargo has strongly expressed its position: “Decarbonization must remain firmly rooted in practicality, global consistency and the real availability of fuels and infrastructure. We continue to engage constructively with regulators to ensure that any transition remains safe, technologically sound and economically realistic.”

Particular emphasis is also placed on bulk carrier safety, with Intercargo continuing to systematically monitor accidents and losses through the Bulk Carrier Casualty Report database.

Despite the long-term improvement in safety indicators, the Association warns that there is no room for complacency, especially on issues such as cargo liquefaction, STS transshipment safety and attacks in high-risk areas.