13th September 2025 – 19th September 2025
LOCAL NEWS
1. 12th London International Shipping Week – Cyprus committed to strong EU role in shipping, says Hadjimanolis
London hosted the twelfth London International Shipping Week (LISW25) from 15–19 September 2025, with more than 300 official events across the capital and thousands of maritime leaders debating decarbonisation, digitalisation, safety and the future workforce.
The Deputy Minister of Shipping to the President, Ms. Marina Hadjimanolis, successfully participated in London International Shipping Week, where she actively engaged in a series of high-profile events and meetings.
During a reception at the High Commission of Cyprus in London on the 18th September 2025, Cyprus’ Deputy Shipping Minister Ms. Marina Hadjimanolis showcased the advantages of the Cyprus registry and the wider maritime cluster.
Ms. Hadjimanolis outlined the government’s commitment to the green and digital transition, the priorities of the ministry during Cyprus’ EU presidency in the first half of 2026, and the role of shipping in the economy.
She stressed that the sector contributes more than 7% to Cyprus’ GDP and plays an equally important part in the country’s social and political development and also noted that Cyprus is not only a leading hub for shipowning and shipmanagement services but also “one of the largest top quality sovereign flag states”. Ms. Hadjimanolis added that the success of Cyprus shipping is based on close cooperation between the public and private sectors, describing it as productive and continuous, always pursuing the common goal of strengthening competitiveness.
Ms. Hadjimanolis extended an open invitation to the upcoming “Maritime Cyprus 2025” Conference, which will take place in Limassol between 6 – 8 October 6 2025, with the Cyprus Union of Shipowners being co – organizers of the event.
Related Articles:
Cyprus Mail 19/09 - Cyprus committed to strong EU role in shipping, says Hadjimanolis
Cyprus Mail 15/09 - Greece and Cyprus step up presence at London International Shipping Week
CBN 19/09 - Deputy Minister of Shipping showcases Cyprus registry advantages in London
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
2. EU announces 19th package of sanctions against Russia
On Friday, 19th September 2025, the European Commission unveiled its 19th package of sanctions meant to hit Russia’s economy, with plans to curb its energy trade and punish financial service companies.
President Ursula von der Leyen announced that the European Commission targeted more Chinese entities, stating "we target refineries, oil traders, petrochemical companies in third countries, including China,", as the EU makes a diplomatic overture to U.S. President Donald Trump by hitting Beijing.
"We’re adding more chemicals, metal components, salts, and ores to our export bans and tighter export controls on entities from Russia as well as China and India," added EU top diplomat Kaja Kallas in a post on social media.
The package includes a $47.60 oil price cap, asset freezes against companies and new sanctions against the so-called shadow fleet of aging vessels shipping Russian oil in contravention of G7 restrictions.
The EU is also expected to accelerate its proposed ban on Russian LNG by one year, to late 2026.
"We are now sanctioning 118 additional vessels from the shadow fleet. In total, more than 560 vessels are now listed under EU sanctions. Major energy trading companies Rosneft and Gazpromneft will now be on a full transaction ban, and other companies will also come under asset freeze," the Commission president said.
The Reuters’ report on the issue includes a list of all the proposed measures of the 19th package:
ENERGY MEASURES
*A ban on Russian liquefied natural gas from Jan. 1, 2027, bringing forward the date from Jan. 1, 2028 that was proposed to member states via other legal texts
- The EU banned trans-shipments of Russian LNG in a previous package
- The EU will list 118 new vessels in Moscow's shadow fleet, bringing the total to over 560
- Ban on re-insuring listed vessels.
- Ends exemptions for Russian oil companies Rosneft and Gazpromneft
- List oil traders, refineries and petrochemical companies in third countries that breach sanctions including in China
FINANCIAL MEASURES
- A full transaction ban on more Russian banks and their operations in third countries
- A full transaction ban on cryptocurrency platforms as well as restrictions on crypto-services for Russian nationals
- Restriction on the Russian credit card system (MIR) and fast payments system (SBP) EXPORT BANS
- Tighter export controls on an additional 45 Russian and third country entities, including in China and India
- Bans on chemicals, metal components, salts, and ores useful to Russia's military
- Bans on investment in certain Special Economic Zones in Russia relevant for the war effort with the option to extend to list ports outside Russia used for weapons transfers or the shadow fleet
- Bans on high-tech services including geospatial information, AI, and high-performance computing
The package now needs to be approved by all 27 EU member countries in the coming weeks.
Related Articles:
Reuters 19/09 - What's in the EU's proposed 19th package of Russia sanctions
European Commission 19/09 - Statement by the President: 19th package of sanctions against Russia
POLITICO 19/09 - EU hammers Putin and charms Trump by targeting China in new Russia sanctions
Euronews 19/09 - EU targets Russian LNG, banks, crypto and 'shadow fleet' in new round of sanctions
CNN Business 19/09 - European Commission proposes fresh round of sanctions against Russia
3. Several Shipping Companies want overhaul of UN ship fuel emissions deal
On Thursday, 18th September 2025, a group of top shipping companies including leading Greek players and John Fredriksen’s Cyprus-based Frontline have issued a joint statement to Reuters calling for key amendments to the deal for the IMO Net-Zero Framework, tabled for adoption in October 2025.
The group stated they had "grave concerns" about the so-called Net-Zero Framework proposed for adoption next month at the U.N.'s International Maritime Organization environmental committee. "As it stands, we do not believe the IMO NZF will serve effectively in support of decarbonising the maritime industry ... nor ensure a level-playing field as intended," the companies told Reuters.
The United States has told countries to reject the deal or face tariffs, visa restrictions and port levies, sources told Reuters in September.
The joint statement said it was essential that any accord avoided "excessive financial burdens and inflationary pressure to the end-consumer".
IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez said he was confident the deal would be adopted next month.
A few days prior to the Joint Statement, Greek Shipping Minister Vassilis Kikilias told Dominguez during London International Shipping Week that improvements were required.
"The Minister underlined that he shares the shipping industry's concerns," the Shipping Ministry said in a statement.
Sources reported to Reuters that it was unclear whether the deal could go through if opposition increased or if there were abstentions by IMO member countries. The October decision will require a two-thirds majority – 108 of the 176 IMO Members that have ratified the relevant convention – if consensus cannot be reached.
Related Articles:
Reuters 18/09 - Top shipping players want overhaul of UN ship fuel emissions deal
Safety4Sea 19/09 - IMO's Net-Zero Framework sparks debate in shipping's arena
The Maritime Executive 18/09 - Ahead of IMO Meeting, Critiques of Net-Zero Framework Emerge
4. US TREASURY REPORT
The US Treasury Report for all actions reported is hereby attached.
Related Article:
Attachment 1: US Treasury Report for week 13/09/2025 – 19/09/2025
5. PIRACY REPORT
The Piracy Report for all actions reported is hereby attached.
Related Article:
Attachment 2: Worldwide Threat to Shipping (WTS) Report, for the period between 20/08/2025 – 17/09/2025
Nothing important to report from ECSA, ILO and the House of Representatives.