CUS NEWS REPORT FOR WEEK 21 OF 2024

During the meeting, Ms. Hadjimanolis and Mr. Stylianides discussed and examined several key issues of mutual interest related to the preservation of the long-term competitiveness of European shipping, promoting maritime education, exchanging digitalization know-how, as well as the current geopolitical developments affecting global shipping.

Moreover, at a bilateral level, the development of joint actions and initiatives was agreed to create prospects for the sustainable operation of the Cyprus-Greece maritime passenger connection.

In her statement, the Shipping Deputy Minister of Cyprus noted that both Greece and Cyprus are two maritime states with tradition, which are connected by centuries-old historical ties based on common values and principles and emphasized that the cooperation is excellent at all levels. She also underlined that this cooperation has been included in a structured framework following the institutionalization of the Supreme Cooperation Council of Greece and Cyprus. In addition, Ms. Hadjimanolis described the meeting as productive, stressing that shipping is a crucial economic pillar for both Greece and Cyprus.

The Minister of Shipping and Insular Policy of Greece referred to the excellent relations between the two countries and the competent Ministries for shipping, noting in particular the need to intensify efforts to ensure the competitiveness of European shipping. Mr. Stylianides emphasized the importance of Cyprus and Greece in maintaining the competitiveness of European shipping, noting both countries' significant roles in the sector. He highlighted the need for European shipping to adopt realistic approaches to the Green Transition and align European and International Maritime Organization (IMO) policies.

Moreover, Mr. Stylianides stressed the importance of addressing future seafarer shortages and enhancing the prestige of the maritime profession to attract more young persons, with Greece already declaring 2024 as the year of maritime education.

The meeting ended with an exchange of gifts, reinforcing the commitment to ongoing cooperation between the two countries for the prosperity of their maritime industries.

Relevant Articles:

• Naftemporiki 22/5 - Joint actions for the sustainable operation of Greece-Cyprus maritime connection
• CBN 22/5 - Hadjimanolis and Stylianides discuss boosting maritime cooperation
• Knews 22/5 - Cyprus and Greece strengthen maritime ties
• CyprusMail 22/5 - Cyprus and Greece discuss maritime competitiveness, digitalisation, and collaboration
• EconomyToday 22/5 - Ενίσχυση ναυτιλιακής συνεργασίας συζήτησαν Χατζημανώλη – Στυλιανίδης
• MonoNews 22/5 - Εποικοδομητική συνάντηση Χατζημανώλη – Στυλιανίδη

2. Meeting between CUS and the Australian High Commissioner in Cyprus

On Monday, May 20, 2024, a meeting was held between the High Commissioner of Australia in Cyprus, Ms. Fiona McKergow, representatives of the Shipping Deputy Ministry (SDM), led by the Director General of the Ministry, Dr. Stelios Himonas, and a delegation of the Cyprus Union of Shipowners (CUS), led by the Union's Vice-Presidents, Mr. Polys V. Hajioannou and Mr. George Mouskas. The said meeting took place at the offices of Safe Bulkers in Limassol.

During the meeting, there was an exchange of views on environmental regulations, the European Union's (EU) related actions, and Australia’s intentions on this issue. At this point, it should be emphasized that there was a consensus that the main objective of any environmental regulation should be the protection of the environment and not a tax collecting exercise.

Additionally, in relation to a comment by Mr. Polys Hajioannou regarding the 8th place that Cyprus has achieved in the list of the Paris MoU, the Australian High Commissioner praised the high ranking of the Cypriot flag which reflects its quality, as well as its high standards of security and living conditions for the seafarers. It should be noted that Cyprus ranks much higher than other competing registries in the Paris MOU white list that makes its ships less frequent candidates for PSC inspection in ports worldwide.

Moreover, the main topic of the meeting was the discussion of a Double Tax Treaty agreement between Cyprus and Australia and a special provision for Cypriot-flagged vessels belonging to Cypriot companies, to receive the same treatment as other European States, which are exempt from tax on freight which is imposed by the Australian authorities.

The High Commissioner agreed with the Union's position on this issue, and it was decided to set up an informal working group between the Shipping Deputy Ministry, the Australian High Commission in Cyprus, and the Cyprus Union of Shipowners, to cooperate towards the actions needed to achieve the above goal.

We are confident that this endeavour will be successful, providing a competitive advantage in international trade for both countries.

Relevant photos of the meeting are hereby attached.

Attachments 1&2

3. Regular General Meeting and 25th Anniversary of the Cyprus Marine Club

On Friday, May 24, 2024, the Regular General Meeting (RGM) of the Cyprus Marine Club (CMC) was held at the Amara Hotel in Limassol, followed by a Gala Dinner to celebrate its 25th Anniversary.

During the meeting, the President of the Club, Captain Eberhard Koch, provided a brief overview of the Club's activities and goals. Concluding with the items on the Agenda, where the Club's Financial Statements were approved by the Members present at the Meeting, the President congratulated the newly elected members of the Board of Directors.

The Meeting was followed by a Gala Dinner to celebrate the CMC's 25th Anniversary, with the participation of distinguished guests and representatives from the public and private sectors of the maritime community.

In his speech, the President of the Club stated, “By celebrating these 25 years of our Club we are celebrating the success of our  Members thanks to whom we can facilitate this amazing journey. You are the foundation not only of our Club but the backbone of the resilient, dynamic Cyprus Shipping Industry that we are so proud of and that other industries may only envy."

In addition, the Permanent Secretary of the Shipping Deputy Ministry (SDM), Dr. Stelios Himonas, underlined the significance and contribution of the Cyprus Marine Club to the development of the Cyprus shipping industry.

Please visit the link below for additional information on upcoming club events and CMC's membership benefits.

CMC - Membership

Related Articles:

• Attachment 3: Photo – CMC’s 25^th Anniversary Gala Dinner
• Attachment 4: Press Release issued by the Cyprus Marine Club

In particular, the new Regulation sets out modern digitalized procedures to facilitate and track more efficiently the shipments of waste within the EU and provides for stronger enforcement and cooperation in fighting waste trafficking. To step up the EU response against waste trafficking, the new Regulation facilitates closer cooperation between EU Member States and provides more deterrent sanctions against criminals involved in illicit waste trade. The Commission will be able to act on the ground to support investigations by Member States on transnational crime linked to waste trafficking, with the direct involvement of the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF).

The Commission points out that the new law will complement the new Environmental Crime Directive, which also entered into force on 20 May 2024.

The new Environmental Crime Directive (ECD) will provide a comprehensive and up-to-date list of environmental offences addressing the most serious breaches of environmental obligations and Member States will have to ensure that these breaches constitute criminal offences in their national law.

The new Directive introduces several new offence categories, such as unlawful ship recycling, unlawful water abstraction, serious breaches of EU chemicals and mercury legislation, serious breaches related to dealing with fluorinated greenhouse gases, and serious breaches of legislation on invasive alien species. In addition, Member States will be obliged to establish qualified offences, subject to more severe penalties where one of the offences defined in the Directive leads to serious widespread and substantial damage or destruction of the environment.

However, it should be noted that the liability threshold under the ECD does not align with MARPOL, which requires an “intent to cause damage or recklessly and with knowledge that damage would probably result” and UNCLOS, which provides vessels with a right of innocent passage in territorial waters unless an act of “wilful and serious pollution” occurs. This lower and less precise threshold could result in a lack of uniformity in approach across Member States. As all member States have implemented MARPOL into their national laws and have already provided sanctions (including criminal), these may continue to be applied in relevant cases.

Our Union is examining the impact of the Directive and the Regulation to National Legislation and Shipowners’ obligations in close cooperation with ECSA and the Cyprus Deputy Ministry of Shipping.

Related Articles:

• Environment EC Europa 20/05 - New regulation waste shipments enters force
• Environment EC Europa 20/05 - Environmental Crime Directive Enters into Force
• Safety4Sea 17/05 - Updated Environmental Crime Directive to enter into force on 20 May

5. US TREASURY REPORT  

The US Treasury Report for all actions reported is hereby attached.

Related Article:

Attachment 5: US Treasury Report for week 18/05/2024 - 24/05/2024

6. PIRACY REPORT  

The Piracy Report for all actions reported is hereby attached.

Related Article:

Attachment 6: Worldwide Threat to Shipping (WTS) Report, for the period between 24 April – 22 May 2024

Nothing important to report from IMO and ILO.

Attachments 1-3 ↓

Download Attachment 4

Download Attachment 5

Download Attachment 6