25th November 2023 – 1st December 2023
- LOCAL NEWS
1. Cyprus re-elected to the International Maritime Organization Council – IMO Assembly elects new 40-Member Council
The President Mr. Andreas Hadjiyiannis and the Executive Committee of the Cyprus Union of Shipowners congratulate the Shipping Deputy Minister Mrs. Marina Hadjimanoli and the Shipping Deputy Mininstry’s Executives, for the re-election of Cyprus to the Council of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). Cyprus was a candidate for re-election as one of the 20 members of the Category C Council and elected among 140 candidates. This fact, in conjunction with the upgrade to the 8th place in the Paris MoU (higher than any other open registry) grand international recognition for high quality standards to the Cyprus flag vessels, which enjoy respect at all the ports they call. Consistently re-elected to the Council since 1987, Cyprus has demonstrated its significant contributions to the IMO’s discussions and decision-making processes, while its consistent re-election reaffirms Cyprus’s status as a major, maritime force, influencing policies that shape the industry.
The newly elected Council will meet following the conclusion of the 33rd Assembly, for its 131st session (on 7 December) and will elect its Chair and Vice-Chair for the next biennium.
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PIO 2/12 - Επανεκλογή της Κύπρου στο Συμβούλιο του Διεθνούς Ναυτιλιακού Οργανισμού
IMO 1/12 - IMO Assembly elects new 40-Member Council
PhileNews 1/12 - Cyprus re-elected to the International Maritime Organization Council
- INTERNATIONAL NEWS
2. European Parliament votes in favour of the free trade agreement ( FTA) between the EU and New Zealand safeguarding free access to international maritime services
On 22 November 2023, the European Parliament voted in favour of the free trade agreement (FTA) between the EU and New Zealand, which has been signed by both sides on the 9th July 2023. The FTA was voted in favour with a record majority of 524 votes for, 85 rejections, and 21 abstentions. The deal removes 100% of New Zealand’s tariffs on EU exports immediately and 91% of EU tariffs on products coming the other way, rising to 97% after seven years, and is the first deal to integrate new sustainability commitments as it includes a sanctionable “trade and sustainable development” chapter in case of serious violations of core labour and climate commitments.
Your attention is drawn to pages 243-248 out of 503, subsection 6, International Maritime Transport Services.The FTA contains a chapter safeguarding free access to international maritime services. Articles 10.70 and 10.71 paras 2 (a), (b) and (c) provide that the parties ( EU / New Zealand) agree not to introduce cargo sharing arrangements in future agreements with third countries, including in respect of dry or liquid bulk cargo and liner trade and terminate existing cargo sharing arrangements concerning maritime transport services. Moreover, the parties should not adopt or maintain administrative or other measures which could constitute a disguised restriction or have arbitrary or unjustifiable discriminatory effects where like conditions prevail on the free supply of services in international maritime transport.
The deal is now pending ratification by New Zealand and is expected to enter into force by mid-2024 .The text of the agreement can be found here .
Related Articles:
Article 1: ECSA C-13308 SPC For information EU Parliament votes in favour of the EU - New Zealand free trade agreement
Europa Trade Policy 27.11.2023_ EU - NEW ZEALAND AGREEMENT
Consilium Europa 27.11.2023_ EU New Zealand Free Trade Agreement
3. US TREASURY REPORT
The US Treasury Report for all actions reported is hereby attached.
Related Article:
Attachment 2: US Treasury Report for week 25/11-01/12/2023
4. PIRACY REPORT
The Piracy Report for all actions reported is hereby attached.
Related Article:
Attachment 3: Worldwide Threat to Shipping (WTS) Report, for the period between 01 – 29 November 2023
Nothing important to report from ILO, Local News and Parliament of Representatives.