Shippers feeling targeted as 'bad guys'

"Don't shoot shipping," the head of the Union of Greek Shipowners (UGS), Theodore Veniamis, entreated last Friday on behalf of an industry that feel it is getting more than a fair share of the blame for global marine pollution.

Greek shipping has achieved and maintained its dominant position in the global industry by moderating the drive for progress with realism, and the right mix of risk and caution - most of the time. This mentality is now prompting local shipowners to object to what they view as "rushed decisions" to impose a drastic cut on shipping fuel pollutants, feeling that the sector is being unfairly and disproportionately targeted. And when the nation's shippers, who control 20 percent of the global merchant fleet, voice their objection to any policy, their lead is almost invariably followed by others.

"I want to assure you that the strength of our voice is...