27th December 2025 – 03rd January 2026
LOCAL NEWS
1. Cyprus assumes EU Council presidency: Maritime Security, European Industrial Maritime Strategy and strengthening supply, routes and trade among Cyprus’s priorities
On the 1st January 2026, Cyprus began its six-month term holding the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union, with supporting Ukraine, accelerating EU defense readiness and advancing enlargement talks topping Cyprus’s agenda. Under the motto ‘An autonomous Union – open to the world’, Cyprus will work towards a more autonomous union.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen noted in a post on X that Cyprus’ Presidency begins at a pivotal moment for Europe. Cyprus’s focus on strengthening Europe’s autonomy couldn’t be more important, she said, adding: “I look forward to working together to boost Europe’s preparedness and competitiveness.”
“Time for more autonomy for Europe, for further European integration, taking into account that by addressing challenges, the Union always emerges stronger,” Cyprus President Christodoulides said in comments to the Cyprus News Agency. During Cyprus’ term at the helm of the Council, Mr. Christodoulides said his government will “work for a union which is strong from within, capable of protecting its citizens, its borders, and its interests”. He added that the European Union must also be capable of “building partnerships and alliances from a position of strength”.
Marking a significant diplomatic start to the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU, President Christodoulides and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held a telephone conversation on the 1st January 2026. Furthermore, Ukraine and Cyprus indicated their intention to strengthen their cooperation during Cyprus EU Council Presidency. Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs Andriy Sibiga discussed with Cyprus’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Konstantinos Kombos the issues of advancing Ukraine’s accession to the EU during Cyprus’s presidency, as well as bilateral cooperation and energy resilience.
The Cyprus Presidency in the field of security and defence will support important initiatives and will promote the rapid implementation of the White Paper on European Defence and the Roadmap for Defence Readiness by 2030, with the implementation of the EU Maritime Security Strategy being among the priorities in this area. The Cyprus Presidency will also work to strengthen energy security, alternative supply and routes and affordable prices and to strengthen the EU's strategic capabilities and its role in shaping international developments.
In that spirit, the Cypriot Foreign Minister, Constantinos Kombos stated that emphasis would be placed on mining the potential of regions that often go under the radar with decisive action being taken to address the EU’s outreach.
“Normally this part of the world is associated with crises and Europeans get engaged when they have a crisis to manage,” he said, listing Syria, Gaza, Lebanon and the Red Sea. “But this is also a region of opportunities.” As the Trump administration’s tariffs upend global trade, Cypriot officials say there has never been a more opportune moment for the EU to look for alternative markets.
Kombos vowed that with the bloc’s competitiveness also high on the agenda, Cyprus would use its presidency to forge a free trade zone between India and the EU. “We want to open up the EU towards the Middle East, towards India,” said Kombos.
As part of the strategy to enhance European competitiveness and trade, the European Industrial Maritime Strategy, which is expected to be presented by the European Commission in February, also occupies a central place in the Presidency's priorities. This new strategy aims to support the green and digital transition of maritime transport, to strengthen Europe's strategic autonomy and security, and to ensure the competitiveness of European shipping.
As such, the Cyprus Deputy Minister of Shipping, Ms. Marina Hadjimanolis has an opportunity to promote all her initiatives to strengthen the competitiveness of European and Cypriot shipping and to shape a stable operating framework for shipping companies. Before assuming the Presidency, Ms.Hadjimanolis held meetings in Greece, as well as in other European countries, in view of the Cyprus Presidency.
In the context of her meetings, Ms. Hadjimanolis emphasized the commitment of the Cypriot Government to the further development and strengthening of the maritime sector and the protection of the competitiveness of European shipping. At the same time, she presented the vision, goals and priorities set by her Ministry, while noting the firm commitment to maritime education and supporting and promoting the maritime professions with specific actions.
Related Articles
Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU - News articles - Eurostat
The presidency of the Council of the EU - Consilium
Cyprus pledges ‘different mindset’ as it assumes EU presidency | European Union | The Guardian
Cyprus assumes EU Council presidency | eKathimerini.com
Keve hails EU presidency as opportunity for Cyprus and Europe | Cyprus Mail
Union Open to the World: Cyprus takes over Presidency of Council of EU - EU NEIGHBOURS east
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2. Marina Hadjimanolis: Shipping- A strong asset for the Cypriot economy
According to the Shipping Deputy Minister to the President, Ms. Marina Hadjimanolis, Cyprus’ shipping industry continues to be one of the strongest pillars of the national economy, significantly enhancing the country’s international standing. As reported in Phileleftheros on Sunday, 4 January 2026, Cypriot shipping has demonstrated notable resilience despite ongoing global geopolitical and economic uncertainty. The Cyprus Shipping Registry recorded a 21% increase since September 2023, confirming steady growth over the past two years.
Beyond its direct economic contribution, shipping holds strategic importance, as more than 80% of global trade is transported by sea, positioning Cyprus at the heart of international maritime commerce. Through a targeted strategic plan, the Deputy Ministry of Shipping is upgrading services, accelerating a comprehensive digital transformation scheduled for completion in 2026, and further promoting the advantages of the Cyprus maritime cluster.
At the same time, Cyprus’ re-election to the Council of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), ranking 7th in the 2025 elections, underscores the international community’s confidence in the country as a maritime power and strengthens its ability to contribute to shaping global shipping policy. In parallel, enhanced cooperation with EU partners and countries of the Gulf region further elevates Cyprus’ geopolitical and commercial role in maritime affairs.
Finally, investments in maritime education, seafarer training, digitalization, environmental protection, cruise tourism, and gender inclusion form part of a broader vision aimed at safeguarding competitiveness and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the sector. As Cyprus prepares to assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, shipping is highlighted not only as a key economic driver, but also as a strategic asset for national growth, regional stability, and Europe’s maritime future.
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INTERNATIONAL NEWS
3. Norway delays FuelEU Maritime start citing EEA/EU legal gaps
On the 29th December 2025 the Norwegian Maritime Authority announced it will not implement the EU’s FuelEU Maritime regulation from 1 January 2026, after the Authority could not secure the necessary legal clarifications between the EEA/EFTA states and the EU in time.
The Authority said it had been working to align the Norwegian start date with the EU timeline, however, unresolved cross-jurisdictional issues mean the regulation cannot take effect at the start of 2026.
Entry into force is now expected later in 2026, with a more detailed timetable to be communicated once confirmed.
The European Commission has also indicated delays in incorporating the regulation into the EEA Agreement for Norway and Iceland, meaning application in those countries will be postponed until incorporation is completed.
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FuelEU Maritime will not enter into force in Norway on 1 January - SAFETY4SEA
FuelEU Maritime will not enter into force in Norway on 1 January 2026 - Norwegian Maritime Authority
4. Mandatory reporting of containers lost at sea starts 1 January 2026
P&I, marine and energy insurance Gard recently published an article, on the new regulations for the mandatory reporting of containers lost at sea, which entered into force on the 1st January 2026
Following IMO amendments to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), the new Regulations require that, from 1 January 2026, the shipping industry will report all containers lost at sea. The new reporting obligations were established through Resolution MSC.550(108) and apply to any ship carrying one or more freight containers, as well as to any ship that observes containers lost at sea.
GARD points out that Masters must promptly report both the loss and any sightings of drifting containers, which ensures swift communication with nearby vessels, relevant coastal authorities, and the vessel’s flag State. The information required includes the ship’s identity, lost/drifting position, date & time and to the extent it is known, the number of containers lost/drifting, the container descriptions (size & type) and whether any Dangerous Goods are involved (with UN numbers).
IMO circular CCC.1/Circ.7 contains a reporting template and links to interim reporting forms that has developed for member states to use for reporting to the IMO.
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Mandatory reporting of containers lost at sea starts 1 January 2026 | Gard's Insights
Mandatory reporting of lost containers at sea came into force | Container news | Shipping Telegraph
Mandatory reporting of lost containers set to come... | myKN
5. EU plans to approve 20th anti-Russian sanctions package in February
On the 29th December 2025, German newspaper DIE WELT cited information from that the EU states are planning to adopt a 20th package of sanctions against Russia on the 4th anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February.
According to diplomats, further sanctions in the energy sector and banking sector are expected. Furthermore, loopholes to circumvent the previous sanctions are to be closed. Brussels is also considering banning the import of Russian uranium and thus sanctioning the Federal Agency for Atomic Energy of Russia.
As previously reported by our Union, tsources, who are familiar with the issue said that the European Union is examining to replace a price cap on Russian oil exports with a full maritime services ban as part of its 20th package of sanctions.
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Brussels sanctions: The EU's new plans against Russia's war economy - WELT
6. Russian strikes damage ports and ships in Ukraine ahead of year’s end
Russia continued its attacks on the port of Odessa, which were reported on our Union’s previous newsletters, with a new wave of strikes in Odesa damaging vessels and port infrastructure.
On the 30th December 2025, Russia launched a new wave of drone attacks in Ukraine’s Odesa region, damaging port infrastructure and several vessels.
Furthermore, the Ukrainian navy reported that Russian drones struck two Panama-flagged vessels, as they were entering a Black Sea port to load wheat. Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister, Oleksiy Kuleba, also confirmed that oil storage tanks were hit during the attacks.
According to the navy, the ports of Chornomorsk and Pivdennyi were the primary targets, as these ports have become vital alternatives since Odesa itself came under sustained attack beginning in 2022.
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Russian strikes damage ports and ships in Odesa ahead of year's end - SAFETY4SEA
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Russians attacked the ports of Odessa region
7. Liberia updates on the security situation in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden and UN warns, Fresh Somali piracy threat to shipping unlikely to end soon
On the 22nd December 2025, the Republic of Liberia has issued a Marine Security Advisory warning of an imminent threat of attacks by armed skiffs, drones, anti-ship missiles, and other weapons in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Arabian Sea. Recent months have seen multiple threats and attacks against vessels engaged in innocent passage, including the launch of drone-fired missiles and demands for ships to alter course toward Yemen. Identified threats include anti-ship and ballistic missiles, water-borne improvised explosive devices, drones, drifting naval mines originating from the Yemeni coast, and reported unmanned undersea vehicles. Liberia further notes that Operation Prosperity Guardian (OPG), a presence and deterrence mission in support of freedom of navigation, continues to operate in the Southern Red Sea, Bab al-Mandab, and western Gulf of Aden under the command of Destroyer Squadron 50.
According to the advisory, while disabling AIS may reduce vessel visibility to hostile actors, it may also hinder the provision of assistance; accordingly, Masters may consider limiting AIS data to mandatory fields only. Vessels transiting the area are advised to report regularly to COMUSNAVCENT, UKMTO, MSCIO, and, on a voluntary basis, the IFC–IOR, in accordance with the most recent Best Management Practices for Maritime Security (BMP MS) and guidance from coalition forces.
In parallel, and with specific reference to the Western Indian Ocean region, a United Nations report indicates that while the risk of piracy off the coast of Somalia remains significant for commercial shipping, it is unlikely to return to the levels observed in the period 2008–2012. The report attributes the continued containment of piracy primarily to the use of armed guards on board vessels and enhanced regional and international cooperation, which have also contributed to shorter periods of crew detention. Although isolated opportunistic incidents and arrests linked to piracy activities have been recorded, the United Nations concludes that piracy is unlikely to be eliminated in the near term. Nevertheless, a substantial escalation in attacks remains improbable, provided that effective cooperation continues, and shipowners maintain appropriate preventive measures.
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marine-security-advisory-09_2023_rev-12.pdf
SAFETY4SEA 29/12 - Liberia updates on the security situation in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden
Attachment 1: TradeWinds 29/12 - Fresh Somali piracy threat to shipping unlikely to end soon, UN warns
8. Oil tankers still arriving in Venezuela despite US blockade, data shows
According to Reuters, at least two oil tankers have made their way to Venezuela in recent days and others are navigating towards the country, a sign of state-run PDVSA's effort to expand floating storage and keep selling crude even as a U.S. blockade has reduced exports to a minimum.
While U.S. President Donald Trump this month announced a blockade of all sanctioned vessels going in or out of Venezuelan waters, some tanker owners have insisted. According to monitoring service TankerTrackers.com, at least two ships under sanctions have arrived in Venezuela over the last few days and two more that are not under sanctions are approaching its coast.
The two vessels approaching Venezuela are part of a fleet used by China and Venezuela to pay debt service with crude bound for Chinese ports. It was unclear whether China will press for a U.S. waiver to secure delivery of those cargoes.
PDVSA did not reply to a request for comment. Venezuela's oil ministry and Maduro have said oil exports will continue.
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Oil tankers still arriving in Venezuela despite US blockade, data shows | Reuters
9. US TREASURY REPORT
The US Treasury Report for all actions reported is hereby attached.
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Attachment 2: US Treasury Report for week 27/12/2025- 02/01/2026
10. PIRACY REPORT
The WTS Report has not been made available yet.
Nothing important to report from the ILO and the House of Representatives.