17th May 2025 – 23rd May 2025
LOCAL NEWS
1. Cyprus Marine Club Limited (CMCL) Annual General Meeting and Election of the Board of Directors
The First Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Cyprus Marine Club Limited (CMCL) took place on Friday, 23rd May 2025, at the Amara Hotel in Limassol, Cyprus. The event was followed by a Gala Dinner attended by distinguished figures from the maritime industry's public and private sectors.
In his address, Captain Koch reflected on the Club’s achievements, highlighting its growing influence and its critical role in uniting diverse sectors of the shipping industry. He emphasized the Club’s mission to foster dialogue, cooperation, and social interaction across the maritime spectrum. The AGM also approved the Club’s financial statements and concluded with a warm welcome to the newly elected members of the Board of Directors for the 2025–2026 term, marking a significant step in the Club’s development with an expansion to fifteen (15) Directors.
Of particular note was the re-election of Captain Eberhard Koch as President of the Club, a testament to the continued trust and confidence the maritime community places in his leadership and vision. Captain Koch, who also serves as Chairman, CEO & Partner of ÖL Shipping Group, has been instrumental in shaping CMCL as a cornerstone of the Cyprus maritime scene.
The Gala Dinner that followed the AGM served as a vibrant celebration of unity and collaboration, reinforcing the Club’s identity as a key enabler of maritime engagement in Cyprus.
As the Cyprus Marine Club continues to grow in scope and membership, its role as an important social and professional hub for the Cyprus Maritime Cluster remains more relevant than ever, connecting shipowners, operators, service providers, regulators, and stakeholders in a shared vision for excellence in maritime affairs.
Related Article:
Attachment 1: Press Release issued by the CMCL
2. Finland and Cyprus are committed to further strengthening excellent maritime cooperation
Ahead of the working visit by the President of the Republic of Cyprus to Finland, a maritime forum was held on the 21st May 2025 in Helsinki with the participation of business delegations from the shipping clusters of the two countries. The forum’s deliberations were jointly opened by the Deputy Minister of Shipping, Ms Marina Hadjimanolis, and the Permanent Secretary of the Finnish Ministry of Transport and Communications, Ms Minna Kivimäki.
According to a Press Release of the Cyprus Deputy Ministry of Shipping, Ms Hadjimanolis, and Ms Kivimäki, identified specific areas of untapped potential, for example in automated and digitalised maritime solutions, ship energy systems, cyber security, new maritime fuels, maritime education, gender equality and equal employment opportunities in the shipping sector, in which the capable maritime clusters of Cyprus and Finland could further enhance mutually beneficial collaboration, promoting the sustainable growth of the maritime industry. In this context, the next concrete steps in the continuation of the bilateral dialogue were mapped and the commitment of both sides to further strengthening maritime cooperation was reaffirmed.
“Cyprus and Finland, both members of the EU with long maritime history and strong maritime clusters, have a critical role to play towards the sustainable growth of international shipping”, stated after the meeeting, expressing satisfaction that the two countries share common values and goals when it comes to ensuring safe, secure, and environmentally friendly maritime transport, while maintaining fair competition internationally.
“We need stronger European shipping in the world, and a competitive European maritime cluster. As maritime nations Cyprus and Finland are natural champions and allies in this field”, said Kivimäki.
On the 22nd May 2025, in a meeting between President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, and President of Finland, Alexander Stubb, both Presidents expressed their will to further deepen bilateral relations in areas of strategic importance, such as shipping, defence and tourism.
Related Articles:
Finland and Cyprus are committed to further strengthening excellent maritime cooperation - Gov.cy
Cyprus and Finland explore ties in maritime tech and shipping | Cyprus Mail
Cyprus and Finland reaffirm maritime ties | Cyprus Mail
Cyprus–Finland maritime partnership deepens ahead of President Christodoulides’ visit | CBN
Presidents of Cyprus and Finland willing to deepen ties in shipping, defence, tourism
Ο Πρόεδρος της Δημοκρατίας συναντήθηκε με τον Πρωθυπουργό της Φινλανδίας - Gov.cy
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
3. Greek Prime Minister leads UN maritime security talks
On Tuesday, 20th May 2025, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis chaired the United Nations Security Council meeting in New York focused on strengthening maritime security through international cooperation, with the participation from UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. The session aimed to address growing threats to global maritime safety, including piracy, transnational crime, terrorism and cyberattacks.
Speaking on behalf of Greece, which held the rotating presidency of the Council, Mr. Mitsotakis emphasized that maritime security is vital to global trade and stability. “Over 80 percent of global trade is transported by sea,” he pointed out, calling the safety of maritime routes a prerequisite for peace, economic development, and the free flow of goods.
He highlighted the role of international law, specifically the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), as the legal framework necessary for global maritime governance.
On enforcement, he underlined the need to strengthen legal frameworks and international coordination to combat security threats in shipping, port infrastructure, and digital connectivity. “Illegal practices that undermine maritime security, including the circumvention of sanctions, must be addressed collectively,” the Prime Minister added.
Regarding the situation in the Red Sea, Mr. Mitsotakis called for “coordinated international action” and highlighted Greece’s leadership in operations Aspides, Atalanta and Irini as examples of its active role in global maritime stability.
“Greece is the world’s largest shipowning nation,” he concluded, describing his country as a maritime state with deep seafaring traditions. “The sea has always been a part of our identity.”
At the same meeting, Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized that maritime security is a prerequisite for global stability, warning that growing threats, from piracy and smuggling to cyberattacks and geopolitical tensions, are putting oceans under increasing strain.
Mr. Guteres called for urgent action in three key areas, namely respecting international law, tackling root causes of maritime insecurity, and forging global partnerships. Pointing out that the upcoming 2025 UN Ocean Conference in Nice, France (9 – 13 June 2025), will “provide an important moment for the countries of the world to take action”, he underscored: “As threats to maritime security are becoming more complex and interconnected, enhanced coordination and stronger maritime governance are essential.”
The President of the Union of Greek Shipowners, Ms. Melina N. Travlos, highlighted the evolving nature of piracy and the increasing weaponization of the maritime domain. Citing a 35% rise in incidents from 2023 to 2024, she warned of growing threats including cyberwarfare, drug and human trafficking, and organized crime and urged a shift from reactive to preventive maritime security strategies and emphasized the need for a global commitment.
Related Articles:
PM leads UN maritime security talks | eKathimerini.com
UN Sec-Gen: Without maritime security, there can be no global security - SAFETY4SEA
UN Says Global Security Depends on Maritime Security
4. EU agrees 17th package of sanctions against Russia
Further to our Union’s last week’s report on the issue of the 17th round of Russia sanctions , on Tuesday, 20th May 2025, the European Council formally adopted the 17th package of economic and individual restrictive measures cutting off Russia’s access to key military technology and curbing Russia’s energy revenues that fuel its war against Ukraine, by heavily targeting Russia’s ‘shadow fleet’ of oil tankers, their operators, as well as a major Russian oil producer.
The agreed measures of the 17th package cover:
Russia’s ‘shadow fleet’
The Council adopted its largest ever package targeting Putin’s shadow fleet, doubling the number of vessels included in the list of those subject to a port access ban and ban on provision of a broad range of services. 189 vessels originating from third countries were targeted, bringing the total of designated vessels to 342. Those vessels are part of Russia’s ‘shadow fleet’, and responsible for transporting Russian oil while practicing irregular and high-risk shipping practices, or supporting Russia’s energy sector. Restrictive measures on the shadow fleet are intended to dismantle its operational capacity, thereby reducing the oil revenues that support Russia's war economy.
In addition, the EU imposes individual sanctions (assets freeze and prohibition to make funds available) targeting the shadow fleet ecosystem, namely on actors enabling the operation of the shadow fleet. These measures cover shipping companies responsible for the transportation of crude oil and oil products by the sea and engaging in dangerous practices at sea while transporting Russian oil, including entities from the United Arab Emirates, Türkiye and Hong Kong. The list also includes one important insurer of the Russian oil shipping industry.
Energy
In order to further curb Russia’s revenue sources, the EU is also imposing restrictive measures on Surgutneftegaz, a major Russian oil company which provides substantial revenues to the Russian government, directly fuelling its war effort. An important Russian oil shipping company is also listed.
Military – Industrial sector
The EU is imposing sanctions on more than 45 Russian companies and individuals providing the Russian army with drones, weapons, ammunition, military equipment, critical components and logistical support.
Making full use of the reinforced legal framework adopted in the 16th package, the EU also extend the targets to industrial enablers, such as Russian and Chinese entities supplying machine tools to the Russian military and industrial sector.
The EU also continues to address support from third countries by adding three Chinese entities – including state-owned – a Belarusian and an Israeli one providing critical components to the Russian military, including for drones production.
The Council also added 31 new entities to the list of those subject to tighter export restrictions concerning dual use goods and technologies, due to their support to Russia’s military and industrial complex in its war of aggression against Ukraine. Some of these entities are located in third countries (Serbia, the United Arab Emirates, Türkiye, Vietnam and Uzbekistan) and have been involved in the circumvention of export restrictions, including on Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) or computer numerical control machine tools.
The EU also introduced further restrictions on exports of goods which contribute to Russia’s military and technological enhancement, the development of its defence and security sector the development or the production of its military systems, including chemical precursors to energetic materials and spare parts for machine tools.
The relevant legal acts have been published in the Official Journal of the EU.
With today’s addition of 75 new listings (17 persons and 58 entities)EU restrictive measures in respect of actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine now apply to over 2400 individuals and entities. Those designated with the new Package are subject to an asset freeze and EU citizens and companies are forbidden from making funds available to them.
Annex IV of Council Regulation 2025/932 of 20 May 2025, amending Regulation (EU) No 833/2014 lists natural or legal persons, entities or bodies which are military end-users, form part of Russia’s military and industrial complex or which have commercial or other links with or which otherwise support Russia’s defence and security sector.
Annex XVI of Regulation 2025/932 lists the vessels sanctioned for being part of Russia’s Shadow Fleet.
The link to those annexes can be found below:
Decision - CFSP - 2025/931 - EN - EUR-Lex
In addition to the adoption of the 17th package of sanctions, it has been recently announced that European Union is working on a new package of sanctions to increase pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The upcoming measures are expected to include working on listing more vessels of the Russian shadow fleet and also lowering the oil price cap, and also more sanctions on the financial sector in Russia.
“While Putin feigns interest in peace, more sanctions are in the works. Russia’s actions and those who enable Russia face severe consequences,” the EU’s top diplomat Kaja Kallas said in a statement.
Punitive tariffs on Russian imports are also under discussion, with Brussels drawing up plans to use trade tariffs and capital controls to maintain financial pressure on Russia.
Our Union will examine in close cooperation with ECSA and the Cyprus Government the implementation of the measures on an EU and national level and its impact to the Shipping Community.
Related Articles:
Attachment 2: EU unveils largest ever shadow fleet sanctions package _ TradeWinds
Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine: EU agrees 17th package of sanctions - Consilium
Regulation - EU - 2025/932 - EN - EUR-Lex
Ukraine: EU approves 17th sanctions package against Russia
The 17th EU sanctions package against Russia has been adopted - Gorrissen Federspiel
EU ministers seal fresh sanctions package against Russia – POLITICO
EU adopts 17th sanctions package against Russia - European Commission
EU approves 17th package of Russia sanctions, targets shadow fleet
EU hits Russia with largest sanctions package to date - SAFETY4SEA
EU Targets Nearly 200 ‘Shadow Fleet’ Vessels in Largest-Ever Sanctions Package, U.S. on Sidelines
5. U.S. Regulators Begin Investigation into Practices of Flags of Convenience
The US Federal Maritime Commission(FMC) announced that it is commencing an investigation into the practices of the so-called “flags of convenience” and the unfavorable business conditions that they create. The FMC reports it is concerned about the conditions created by the wide and uneven range of foreign vessel flagging laws, regulations, and practices, saying they could be creating unfavorable conditions in the foreign trade of the United States.
In a detailed presentation of the issue which was released in the Federal Register on May 22, National Maritime Day, the FMC highlights that some foreign countries have lowered standards and eased compliance requirements to gain a potential competitive edge in attracting ships to their registry. It believes that some nations are competing to lower the cost of registering and flagging vessels “beyond the point where they can ensure the efficiency, reliability, and safety of vessels.”
The American regulatory body also claimed that the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has not brought about meaningful change nor deterrence to what it said is a growing global problem. “As the IMO lacks the authority to enforce vessel registry standards or penalize non-compliant nations, its efforts are unlikely to serve as an effective deterrent or bring about meaningful change to curb abuses. A comprehensive and enforceable approach is needed,” the FMC stated
As the first step in its process, the FMC will open a 90-day comment period seeking input from all sectors of the shipping industry on the issues. It says that its current goal is to encourage comments from all interested parties.
The FMC asserts in starting this process, which it calls a “nonadjudicatory investigation,” that it has statutory authority to look at foreign governmental actions that are detrimental to third-flag carriers and can also create conditions unfavorable to shipping in U.S. foreign trade.
Related Articles:
U.S. Regulators Begin Investigation into Practices of Flags of Convenience
U.S. FMC Launches Investigation into Flags of Convenience Amid Growing Safety Concerns
Washington takes another swipe at the IMO in launching flag investigation - Splash247
6. Marpol update raises bar for sampling but non-compliance risks increase
Following recent amendments to MARPOL Annex VI and SOLAS Chapter II-2, which include a 50% increase in the required sample volume and stricter expectations around equipment, handling, and record-keeping, fuel technology group CM Technologies (CMT) is advising shipowners and operators to urgently review their fuel and lubricating oil sampling practices.
The International Maritime Organization’s updated protocol, MSC-MEPC.2/Circ.18, mandates that fuel samples collected for MARPOL compliance now be a minimum of 600ml, up from the previous 400ml. This change ensures there is sufficient material to perform both sulphur content testing under MARPOL and flash point testing under SOLAS requirements. It also reinforces proper sampling procedures, including the use of tamper-evident containers, accurate labelling, and secure onboard storage.
“Sampling is often regarded as a technicality, but it is the foundation for effective compliance and dispute resolution,” said David Fuhlbrügge, Managing Director of CM Technologies. “Too often, we see crew improvising with makeshift containers due to a lack of proper gear onboard. Samples are often sent to labs in recycled beverage bottles – which can invalidate test results.”
“Proper sampling is not only about proving fuel quality but also about maintaining a defensible chain of custody,” he said. Contaminated or poorly documented samples cannot be presented in bunker disputes or during Port State Control (PSC) inspections and any results labelled ‘indicative only’ would not be used to support compliance claims.
“With the new IMO regulations in place, ship managers and crews can’t afford to take shortcuts,” Fuhlbrügge furthered. “Proper sampling verifies that delivered fuel and oil conform to operational standards. If disputes arise, the integrity of that sample becomes critical. Any sign of tampering, contamination, or inadequate documentation could trigger fines, detention, or liability.”
The revised guidelines also transfer responsibility for tracking and storing MARPOL Delivered Samples from the ship’s master to the ship owner or management company. “This shift underscores the importance of fleet-wide procedures and oversight,” said Fuhlbrügge. “Crews must be trained in how to operate sampling equipment, seal and label containers, and store samples correctly –typically for up to 12 months or until the fuel is consumed.”
Related Articles:
CMT: MARPOL update raises bar for fuel sampling - SAFETY4SEA
7. US TREASURY REPORT
The US Treasury Report for all actions reported is hereby attached.
Related Article:
Attachment 3: US Treasury Report for week 17/05/2025 – 23/05/2025
8. PIRACY REPORT
The Piracy Report for all actions reported is hereby attached.
Related Article:
Attachment 4: Worldwide Threat to Shipping (WTS) Report, for the period between 23/04/2025 – 21/05/2025
Nothing important to report from the IMO, the ILO and the House of Representatives.