LOCAL NEWS
1. Propeller Club, Port of Limassol – AGM and 2026 Keynote Annual Event
The Propeller Club of the United States, Port of Limassol, successfully hosted its 2026 Keynote Annual Event on Friday, March 20, 2026, at the Amathus Beach Hotel in Limassol. The event was attended by the Shipping Deputy Minister to the President, Ms. Marina Hadjimanolis, Navy representatives, and prominent figures from Cyprus's maritime and shipping community.
The President, Mr. Polys V. Hajioannou, welcomed more than 200 members and guests, underscoring the significance of hosting a world-renowned U.S. thought leader for the second consecutive year – an important milestone for Cyprus. He emphasised that, at a time of profound technological and structural transformation in both the world and the shipping industry, this year's keynote speaker was a particularly timely choice.
Brief remarks were also delivered by Mr. Costis J. Frangoulis, President of the Port of Piraeus, as well as by Mr. Stephanos Kassianides, Senior General Manager of Eurobank – the event's Platinum Sponsor.
The highlight of the evening was the keynote presentation delivered by Mr. Amin Toufani, one of the world's foremost thinkers on adaptability, exponential technologies and strategic transformation. Mr. Toufani is the CEO of T Labs, a Silicon Valley startup factory whose ventures include Adaptability.org and Nano.com. He holds degrees in artificial intelligence and economic policy, as well as an MBA, and is one of the few individuals to have pursued and received graduate degrees from both Harvard and Stanford concurrently.
Known for the clarity and depth of his presentations, Mr. Toufani delivered a high-impact keynote that blended advanced research with practical, actionable guidance for senior decision-makers. Tailoring his insights to the realities of the global shipping sector, he demonstrated how exponential thinking and adaptive leadership can be applied within one of the world's most complex and interconnected industries. He highlighted the leadership patterns, organisational structures, value-creation models and cultural traits that enable companies to scale into truly exponential organisations, offering the Cyprus maritime community a compelling roadmap for navigating the accelerating pace of technological change. His presentation was followed by a lively Q&A session.
The event concluded with a networking cocktail buffet, giving attendees the opportunity to exchange further views and continue the conversation with the keynote speaker.
For more information on the event, please review the relevant Press Release.
Related Articles:
Attachment 1: Press Release
Photos of the event - WeTransfer Link
2. Cyprus Deputy Ministry of Shipping’s 2025 annual report - Cyprus-Flagged Ships in Gulf are Safe
On 19 March 2026, the press conference for the Deputy Ministry of Shipping’s 2025 annual report took place in Limassol. At the Confenrence, the Deputy Minister of Shipping, Ms. Marina Hadjimanolis, presented a comprehensive report on the activities and achievements of the Deputy Ministry of Shipping during the third year of President Nikos Christodoulides’ administration. In her address, the Deputy Minister underscored Cyprus’ position as a prominent maritime nation, highlighting its internationally recognized ship registry and status as one of the world’s leading shipping centres. She noted the substantial growth of the Cyprus ship registry over the past two and a half years and the continuous contribution of ship management to the national Gross Domestic Product
The Minister emphasized that the Ministry’s primary objective remains the further enhancement of Cypriot shipping, outlining targeted initiatives and measures slated for implementation in 2026. Special attention was given to the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union, during which the Deputy Ministry has advanced initiatives that underscore the essential role of seafarers in global maritime operations. The Deputy Minister highlighted that the success of Cypriot shipping reflects sustained collaboration between the public and private sectors and specifically acknowledged the longstanding partnership of the Deputy Ministry with the Cyprus Union of Shipowners and the Cyprus Shipping Chamber, which has been instrumental in consolidating Cyprus’ position as a leading international maritime hub.
Ms. Hadjimanolis also referred to the safety of Cyprus Ships in the light of the tension in the Persian Gulf, She confirmed that 11 Cyprus-flagged vessels currently operating in the Persian Gulf are safe, as the government closely monitors the ongoing regional crisis and its potential impact on shipping, trade, energy and tourism.
Ms. Hadjimanolis stated that most of the 11 vessels operate in the Gulf on a permanent basis, providing mainly specialised or auxiliary maritime services, while only one Cypriot ship was effectively waiting to depart the region.
Related Article:
Cyprus Mail 19/3 - Shipping minister says 11 Cyprus-flagged ships in Gulf are safe
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
3. ECSA Board Meeting – 19/03/2026
On 19 March 2026, Mr. Nicolas Hadjioannou participated in the Board of Directors meeting of the European Community Shipowners’ Associations (ECSA), attending remotely for the first part of the meeting on behalf of the Joint Cyprus Shipping Association (JCSA).
The meeting primarily focused on the European Union’s decarbonisation agenda. Representatives from DG MOVE and DG CLIMA, Mrs. Fotini Ioannidou and Mr. Kurt Vandenberghe, reiterated that decarbonisation remains a key policy priority for the EU and will not be scaled back despite current geopolitical and economic challenges. In this context, FuelEU Maritime and the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) were highlighted as central instruments for achieving emissions reduction targets.
No formal objections or reservations were raised by Member States or the ECSA Secretariat in respect of these policies, with the exception of Italy, which formally requested the immediate suspension of the EU ETS. Furthermore, representatives of the European Commission noted that, during the ongoing review of the EU ETS, revenues generated should be reinvested in the shipping sector.
In the meantime, ECSA failed to raise concerns regarding the competitiveness of EU shipowners and the inflationary impact of these measures was not substantively addressed during the meeting. In contrast, Mr. Philippos Filis, former President of ECSA, referred to his operational experience with dual-fuel methanol vessels, noting that methanol is readily available and, according to his Chinese contacts, can be supplied in unlimited quantities. He further highlighted that, under the current FuelEU framework, conventional methanol does not materially contribute to compliance due to its emissions coefficient, and suggested that this should be reviewed and potentially adjusted.
More details will be provided upon publication of the official minutes of the meeting.
4. World and EU Leader ponder coalition for the safe passage of vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran is developing a new vetting and registration system for ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz
While shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz showed tentative signs of resumption during the week, the waterway remains effectively closed to most commercial traffic following weeks of Iranian military action.
According to data from Lloyd's List Intelligence, only approximately 89 ships crossed the Strait of Hormuz between 1 and 15 March, including 16 oil tankers, compared to the normal rate of 100 to 135 vessel passages per day before the conflict began on 28 February 2026. Many of the vessels that did transit were "dark" ships evading Western government sanctions and oversight, likely with ties to Iran.
The White House stated on Monday, 17 March 2026, that oil tankers were "starting to dribble through" the Strait. However, the overall shipping flow in and out of the Gulf remains almost entirely suspended following a string of attacks on tankers - the first time this has occurred since the 1980s.
Furthermore, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations has reported continued attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. As a consequence, maritime insurance for vessels transiting the Strait remains available but at significantly elevated costs. Industry sources report premiums of roughly 5% of a vessel’s value, about five times higher than levels at the start of the Iran conflict and far above rates during periods of relative calm. Despite high premiums, coverage remains accessible for the limited number of vessels willing to traverse this critical corridor, through which roughly one-fifth of global crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments pass.
In the light of the above developments, on Wednesday, 19 March 2026, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) backed a proposal for a safe maritime corridor to evacuate approximately 20,000 seafarers stranded aboard some 3,200 vessels west of the Strait of Hormuz. The proposal, submitted by Bahrain, Japan, Panama, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates and supported by the United States, called for "a framework such as a safe maritime corridor" to "facilitate the safe evacuation of merchant ships
IMO Secretary-General, Arsenio Dominguez, voiced deep concern over the escalating attacks on merchant vessels, which have resulted in seafarer fatalities and injuries, and called for de-escalation to allow seafarers to leave the Gulf safely. He also warned ship managers not to put seafarers and vessels at risk by attempting to leave the Gulf without coordinated support. Shipping companies have been advised to exercise extreme caution when operating in the area, consider rerouting where feasible, and rely on verified security updates. The IMO also underlined that even with increased naval presence, risks cannot be fully mitigated without broader international alignment.
Iran stated in a separate submission to the IMO that Iranian authorities continued to provide humanitarian assistance and support to seafarers and vessels in the Gulf and Strait. On 15 March 2026, Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, stated that the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically vital shipping route, remains open to international maritime traffic. However, vessels associated with the United States and Israel are reportedly prohibited from transiting the passage. Araghchi emphasized that the strait continues to operate for global commerce and clarified that the restriction is directed solely at U.S. and Israeli-affiliated vessels. He further noted that ships from other states continue to navigate the corridor and suggested that certain shipping companies may be voluntarily avoiding the area due to security concerns rather than in response to a formal blockade.
According to Al Jazeera, Iran is developing a new vetting and registration system for ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz as it transitions to a “selective” blockade of the strategic waterway.
The maritime news and analysis service reported this week that several countries including India, Pakistan, Iraq, Malaysia and China, are in direct talks with Tehran to transit through its territorial waters in the Strait. Ships have been approved on a case by case basis, but a new vetting and registration system is reportedly under development by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps
In addition, Agence France-Presse (AFP), citing the Iranian Student News Agency, reported that an Iranian official confirmed that draft legislation is under consideration under which states utilizing this critical maritime corridor may be required to remit tolls or taxes to Tehran. Such charges would reportedly apply to maritime transport, energy shipments, and the conveyance of essential goods, including food supplies.
On Thursday, 19th March 2026, seven U.S. allies, namely UK, France, Germany, Italy, Canada, the Netherlands, and Japan, announced in a joint statement on Thursday their support for a potential coalition to reopen the strait of Hormuz for commercial ships and oil tankers.
However, the statement did not provide details on how they would do so or the extent they would be willing to commit resources. Therefore, it is not considered a commitment to send naval vessels or other resources, but merely considered a gesture to placate President Trump, who has railed against allies for declining to help secure the strait and warned that a failure to do so could undermine the future of NATO.
Furthermore, the EU's 27 member countries are set to back a push to send more naval ships to the Middle East as conflict paralyzes shipping routes, but will insist on them operating strictly within the parameters of missions that predate the war in Iran.
In a draft statement being negotiated by ambassadors in advance of the talks — seen by POLITICO — the EU leaders show support for an increased naval presence in the region.
"The European Council highlights the role of the EU maritime defensive operations EUNAVFOR ASPIDES and EUNAVFOR ATALANTA, and calls for the reinforcement with more assets," reads the latest version of the text, dated March 17. However, the text introduces new language demanding that the vessels take part in the missions only "in line with their respective mandates."
Related Articles:
Axios 19/03 - Seven U.S. allies back potential Strait of Hormuz coalition
Euronews 20/03 - Five European nations and Japan ready to 'contribute' to securing Hormuz
Al Jazeera 20/03 - Iran developing a ‘vetting system’ for Strait of Hormuz transit
Safety4Sea 13/03 - IMO Council to address security implications in the Strait of Hormuz
CNBC 18/3 - Traffic is trickling through Strait of Hormuz
Reuters 17/3 - Oil tankers starting to dribble through Strait of Hormuz, says White House
Reuters 19/3 - Shipping strikes, oil price spikes and a deadly new Gulf crisis
UANI 17/3 - Iran War Shipping Update - March 17, 2026
MONONEWS 20/03 - Two more ships were struck in the Strait of Hormuz
MONONEWS 16/03 - Strait of Hormuz: Shipping insurance premiums surge after recent attacks
TRANSPORT TOPICS 16/03 - Hormuz Insurance Rates Spike After Vessel Strikes
The Circuit 17/03 - War-risk insurance costs surge for ships entering Strait of Hormuz
Lloyds List 19/03 - LNG market facing years-long Qatari supply shortage following attacks
Attachment 2: TradeWinds 19/03 - A container ship is aflame more than two weeks after it was attacked
NewMoney 19/03 - Maritime alert in the Middle East following new drone and missile strike
NewMoney 19/03 - IMO holds emergency session, calls for ‘safe corridor’ in Persian Gulf
IMO 12/03 - IMO calls Extraordinary Council meeting to discuss situation in Middle East
SAFETY4SEA 19/03 - UKMTO reports ships struck by projectiles in latest Gulf escalation
SAFETY4SEA 17/03 - IMO Sec-Gen: Naval escorts through Hormuz do not ensure safety
Reuters 19/3 - UN Shipping Agency IMO Calls for Safe Corridor to Evacuate Seafarers From Gulf
Reuters 19/3 - Countries Propose Safe Corridor to Free 20,000 Seafarers Stranded in Gulf
Seatrade Maritime 18/03 - IMO seeks seafarer relief in Arabian Gulf war
The Wall Street Journal 19/03 - Iranian Parliament Considers Taxing Ships Crossing Strait of Hormuz
SAFETY4SEA 16/03 - Iran says Strait of Hormuz is open but not for US or Israeli ships
SAFETY4SEA 18/03 - Tankers trickle through the Strait of Hormuz, as conflict nears third week
SAFETY4SEA 18/03 - U.S. strikes Iranian antiship missile sites near the Strait of Hormuz
NHK World 20/3 - Japan, 5 European nations condemn Iran attacks, de facto Hormuz closure
FTI Consulting 20/3 - How the War with Iran is Reshaping Transportation & Logistics
5. EU Extends Russia Sanctions for six monnths– Shadow Fleet Enforcement Tightens
On Saturday, 14 March 2026, the European Council extended for another six monthsits sanctions against individuals and entities linked to Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, with approximately 2,600 individuals and entities now subject to measures including travel restrictions, asset freezes and a ban on making funds available.
While the measures will remain in place until 15 September 2026, tensions remain within the EU. Hungary is still blocking a key legal text that would allow €90 billion EU loan to Ukraine and is also holding up a new sanctions package against Russia.
European coastal states are also tightening enforcement against Russia's shadow fleet, which is estimated to manage over 12 per cent of sea-borne trade and nearly half of large commercial oil tankers globally.
On the 20th March 2026, French navy boarded a tanker in Mediterranean suspected of being part of Russia's shadow fleet.
Amid increased Western scrutiny, on the 19th March 2026, a senior Kremlin aide said that Russia is considering escorting its shadow fleet vessels with naval warships. Nikolai Patrushev made the remarks in an interview with Russian state media, alleging that Russian maritime activity faces increasing threats.
"An unprecedented campaign has truly been launched against the fleet transporting cargo from Russian ports... Some countries have simply gotten carried away in their hunt for tankers, bulk carriers, and container ships," Patrushev said.
He pointed to what he described as a recent attack on a Russian liquefied natural gas tanker. "The attack on the Russian LNG tanker Arctic Metagas in the Mediterranean Sea was a truly outrageous incident, which we consider an act of international terrorism," he said.
Patrushev claimed that "the risk of terrorist and sabotage threats against vessels bound for Russian ports remains high," adding that authorities "have developed and are implementing a comprehensive set of measures to ensure navigation security."
Related Articles:
Reuters 14/3 - EU extends sanctions against people over Russia's war against Ukraine
IISS Mar 2026 - Europe's coastal states tighten enforcement on Russia's shadow fleet
Eurometal 16/03 - EU extends sanctions against Russia for six months
Belga 16/03 - EU extends Russia sanctions after last-minute deal
Reuters 14/03 - EU extends sanctions against people over Russia's war against Ukraine
The Kyiv Independent 20/03 - Russia may deploy warships to escort shadow fleet, Kremlin aide says
EUalive 20/03 - Russia prepares to arm its shadow fleet
6. New EU sanctions package targets Iran
Further to our Union’s last week’s report on the issue, on Monday, 16th March 2026, the EU Council has announced a against 16 individuals and three entities responsible for serious human rights violations in Iran amid escalating conflict in the Middle East.
The full list of the sanctioned persons can be found in the Annex of Decision (CFSP) 2026/645 of 16 March 2026 implementing Decision 2011/235/CFSP concerning restrictive measures directed against certain persons and entities in view of the situation in Iran
The Iranian sanctions package was announced in tandem with new sanctions imposed against two individuals and three entities linked to cyber-attacks that targeted EU member states and EU partners. This includes the listing of an Iranian company that hacked the French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo and put it up for sale on the dark web, hijacked billboard advertisements at the Paris Olympic Games to spread disinformation and interfered with the US presidential elections of 2020 by obtaining confidential voter information and compromising a US-based media company’s computer network. A total of 19 individuals and seven entities have now been listed under the EU horizontal cyber sanctions regime.
The full list of the sanctioned persons can be found in the Annex of Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/588 of 16 March 2026 amending Decision (CFSP) 2019/797 concerning restrictive measures against cyber-attacks threatening the Union or its Member States
Related Articles:
Implementing decision - EU - 2026/645 - EN - EUR-Lex
ICLG 18/03 - New EU sanctions package targets Iran human rights violations
EUCouncil 16/03 - Decision - CFSP - 2026/588 - EN - EUR-Lex
7. BIMCO strengthens focus on seafarers
On the 19th March 2026, BIMCO published the position paper, “Supporting Maritime Workforce Sustainability@ broadening its focus from fair treatment to long-term maritime workforce sustainability and underscoring that a resilient and attractive seafaring profession requires a holistic approach, encompassing welfare, training, safety culture, and human-centred ship design and operations.
According to the Position Paper:
- Seafarers at the Heart of Global Trade
Seafarers remain essential to global trade, with nearly two million supporting international shipping. While issues such as criminalisation, abandonment, and denial of basic rights remain critical, workforce resilience also depends on mental health, inclusivity, working and living conditions, and legal protections, factors that affect both operational performance and career attractiveness.
- Adapting to a Changing Operating Environment
Growing demand for qualified officers, alongside digitalisation and the energy transition, is reshaping onboard skill requirements. This calls for modernised training frameworks, enhanced oversight of maritime education, and continuous professional development to ensure seafarers are prepared for evolving operational challenges.
- IMO Initiatives and Workforce Safety
The International Maritime Organization is reviewing the STCW Convention and Code and advancing measures on fatigue management, working hours, and inclusion, supporting a modern, safe, and efficient maritime industry. BIMCO’s position emphasises the link between welfare and operational safety, recognising that fatigue, isolation, and challenging conditions can affect decision-making and resilience. Adequate rest, medical care, safe workplaces, and human-centred ship design are essential, reinforced by the Maritime Labour Convention 2025 amendments on shore leave, medical access, and harassment prevention.
- Engagement and Shared Responsibility
BIMCO continues to engage industry stakeholders through forums such as Posidonia, research, policy initiatives, workforce surveys, and an updated Seafarer Workforce Report, providing practical guidance for members and informing international standards. Sustaining the maritime workforce requires coordinated action across industry, governments, and international organisations. Practical measures that strengthen the profession, improve working conditions, and maintain seafaring as a safe, sustainable, and attractive career are essential. As Bjørn Højgaard notes, seafarers are the backbone of global trade, and their welfare and voices must be prioritised.
Related Articles:
BIMCO 19/03 - BIMCO Strengthens focus on seafarers
Supporting maritime workforce sustainability
8. BIMCO Biofouling Management Task Force
On the 18th March 2025, BIMCO announced that it will establish a Task Force on Biofouling Management to provide industry input into the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) development of a legally binding framework for the control and management of ships’ biofouling. The Task Force will meet virtually to collect structured, experience-based insights from members, aiming to ensure future global requirements are practical, proportionate, and aligned with operational realities and emerging technologies, while limiting the spread of invasive aquatic species (IAS).
Key areas expected to be addressed include hull and niche area maintenance, in-water cleaning practices, and regulatory control measures. Member engagement is critical to ensure the framework reflects real-world operations, regional differences, and avoids unintended impacts on safety, efficiency, or environmental performance.
The Task Force will bring together members and expert observers to:
- Identify practical challenges and lessons learned from the 2023 IMO Biofouling Guidelines.
- Contribute to BIMCO submissions to IMO Sub-Committees and Committees.
- Support industry data-gathering initiatives, including surveys on in-water cleaning services.
- Explore innovative solutions and emerging technologies compatible with the IMO regulatory process.
Membership will be appointed by the BIMCO Secretariat, supported by experts and observers as appropriate. Meetings will be held online, scheduled in line with IMO progress.
Related Articles:
BIMCO 18/03 - BIMCO Biofouling Management Task Force
IMO - Supporting Seafarers: resources and general information
9. New regulations for speed trials enter into force on 1 May 2026
DNV has informed that new regulations governing speed trials for newbuildings will enter into force on 1 May 2026, introducing stricter and more standardised requirements for verifying vessel performance.
Under the new framework, all Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI relevant speed trials must be conducted in accordance with ISO 15016:2025 or the equivalent ITTC recommended procedures.
The updated requirements aim to improve the accuracy, transparency and consistency of speed and fuel performance measurements, which are critical for demonstrating compliance with IMO energy efficiency regulations. By aligning testing methods with updated international standards, the industry seeks to ensure that performance results are reliable and comparable across vessels.
The changes will have direct implications for shipyards, designers and shipowners, particularly in the newbuilding phase, where accurate performance verification is essential for meeting regulatory thresholds such as the EEDI.
Related Articles:
Safety4Sea 16/03 - New regulations for newbuilding speed trials to enter into force
DNV 12/03 - New Regulations for Newbuilding Speed Trials Enter Into Force on 1 May 2026
10. US maintains its position against the Net-Zero Framework
The United States has reaffirmed its opposition to the IMO Net-Zero Framework, ahead of the upcoming MEPC 84 meeting (April–May 2026), signalling continued division among Member States on the future of global maritime decarbonisation.
In its latest submission, the US rejects key elements of the proposed framework, including carbon taxes, fuel restrictions and market-based measures, arguing that such policies could impose significant economic burdens on the shipping industry. Instead, it advocates for an “energy-neutral” approach, avoiding penalties or mandates that could disadvantage specific fuel types.
The US said that any future discussion on decarbonising the industry should include the “mandatory withdrawal” or phasing out of regional schemes, and cited the European Union’s Emissions Trading System.
It said the system should not penalise or promote the use of any fuel type and repeated its opposition to any economic element in the scheme.
“The United States will not tolerate an IMO-administered fund of any kind built on revenues from a global carbon tax or penalising mechanism,” it said.
Related Articles:
Safety4Sea 19/03 - US maintains its position against the Net-Zero Framework
Attachment 3: Trade Winds 18/03 - Trump team looks to kill off Net-Zero Framework for shipping
11. ClassNK certifies Hong Kong Convention compliant yard in Pakistan
On the 7th March 2026, ClassNK announced that it has certified Salam’s International, a ship recycling facility in Pakistan, as compliant with the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships, marking a further step toward strengthening global ship recycling standards.
Following this certification, the Pakistani authorities are expected to issue the Document of Authorization to conduct Ship Recycling (DASR), allowing the yard to legally operate under the Convention’s framework.
The development comes after the Convention entered into force in June 2025, introducing mandatory international requirements for safe and environmentally responsible ship dismantling. Pakistan’s accession in 2023 has since driven local facilities to upgrade their infrastructure and management systems to meet these standards.
Related Articles:
Class NK 17/03 - Press Release
Safety4Sea 18/03 - ClassNK certifies Hong Kong Convention compliant yard in Pakistan
12. Publication of the second edition of the Ship to Ship Transfer Guide for Petroleum, Chemicals and Liquefied Gases
On the 12th March 2026, CDI, ICS, OCIMF and SIGTTO published the second edition of the Ship to Ship Transfer Guide for Petroleum, Chemicals and Liquefied Gases in 2025,
The guide is widely accepted within the maritime industry, as it incorporates current operational best practices, the latest developments, and a new chapter on human factors. This addition reflects the growing recognition that the human factor has become a shared responsibility across the maritime industry and the IMO.
SQE MARINE explains that the new edition introduces the following sections:
- Additional chapters have been added on:
- the human factor and its impact on STS operations;
- the personnel transfer and the risks this procedure poses to operations;
- It incorporates additional factors and conditions into a variety of STS operational circumstances, and also revises and restructures the majority of checklists to effectively cope with the evolving challenges of STS operations.
Related Articles:
Safety4Sea 20/03 - Revised Ship-to-Ship transfer guide puts the human factor at the heart of safety
Ocimf Ship To Ship Transfer Guide
13. China Issues Ecological and Environmental Code
On the 12th March 2026, China has passed a landmark Ecological and Environmental Protection Code, which will take effect on 15 August 2026. This marks a major step in consolidating and updating China’s environmental laws. The Code now brings together many existing environmental regulations, including the Marine Environmental Protection Law (MEPL), into a single, unified legal framework.
The Code consists of five parts. Chapter Thirty-Four, under Part Two, Subpart Nine titled Risk Control of Chemical Substance Pollution, Prevention and Control of Electromagnetic Radiation and Light Pollution, specifically provides for the risk control system for chemical substance pollution.
The Code implements an environmental management registration system for new chemical substances. Enterprises and institutions that manufacture or import new chemical substances must apply for environmental management registration for new chemical substances with the competent administrative department of ecology and environment of the State Council before manufacturing or importing them.
The Code explicitly stipulates three prohibitions:
Prohibition on manufacturing or importing new chemical substances without a registration certificate;
Prohibition on manufacturing or importing new chemical substances in violation of the certificate (not complying with the requirements of the registration certificate);
Prohibition on using new chemical substances manufactured or imported by unregistered enterprises to produce products.
According to West P&I Club, a key change is in Article 1236, which introduces fixed fines for environmental violations. Previously, fines under the MEPL were calculated as a percentage of the damage caused, which could be unpredictable. The new fixed fine system makes enforcement clearer, fairer, and more transparent.
Article 1236 of the code states that, where a party causes pollution or ecological damage to the environment, in addition to usual liability at law, fines will be imposed.
Related Articles:
Safety4Sea 20/03 - China's new ecological code changes pollution fines starting August 2026
14. US TREASURY REPORT
The US Treasury Report for all actions reported is hereby attached.
Related Article:
Attachment 4: US Treasury Report for week 14/03/2026 – 20/03/2026
15. EU SANCTIONS LIST
Please note that no updates have been published this week regarding the EU Consolidated List or the EU Sanctions Map.
16. PIRACY REPORT
The Piracy Report for all actions reported is hereby attached.
Related Article:
Attachment 5: Worldwide Threat to Shipping (WTS) Report 19/3: For the period between 18/02/2026 – 18/03/2026
Nothing important to report from ILO, ECSA and the House of Representatives.