28th March 2026 – 3rd April 2026
LOCAL NEWS
1. Shipping Deputy Ministry’s Educational Day - "Getting to Know the World of Shipping"
On Tuesday, 31 March 2026, the Shipping Deputy Ministry organised its Annual Educational Day, titled “Getting to Know the World of Shipping”, at the Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement Maritime Education Centre in Limassol. A total of ninety-five (95) students from Lyceums and Technical schools in Limassol and Paphos attended the event, where they were introduced to career opportunities in the shipping industry and the wider blue economy.
Our Union participated in the event for the third consecutive year, represented by Nikos Kratimenos, General Manager of Safe Bulkers Management Ltd.
During the programme, students had the opportunity to learn about the structure and operations of shipping companies and gain practical insight into maritime professions through hands-on sessions using bridge and engine room simulators. The initiative aims to raise awareness among young people about the maritime sector and encourage future careers in an industry that plays a key role in the Cypriot economy.
Related Article:
Cyprus Mail 1/4 - Cyprus students explore careers in shipping sector
2. High-Level Ministerial & Stakeholders Conference
A High-Level Ministerial and Stakeholders Conference on seafarers will take place on 28 April 2026 in Limassol, at the Four Seasons Hotel Limassol, bringing together policymakers, international organisations and industry representatives.
Organised by the Shipping Deputy Ministry of Cyprus, the Conference will focus on the theme “Investing in Seafarers: Securing the Future of Global Shipping.” Participants are expected to include representatives from maritime administrations, international organisations, shipping companies, training institutions, and seafarer associations.
Discussions will centre on key priorities including maritime education and training, attracting and retaining talent, improving seafarer wellbeing, and preparing the workforce for digital and regulatory developments.
The programme will feature ministerial interventions and stakeholder discussions aimed at strengthening cooperation and promoting practical solutions to current workforce challenges.
The Conference is expected to contribute to ongoing efforts to support a skilled, resilient and future-ready maritime workforce, recognising the critical role of seafarers in the sustainability of global shipping.
For more details on the agenda, speakers and participants, please refer to the official link.
Related Articles:
SDM 02/04 - High-Level Ministerial & Stakeholders Conference
3. Shipping Deputy Ministry: 19 Cyprus-Flagged Ships Remain Near the Strait of Hormuz
The Shipping Deputy Ministry confirmed on Thursday, 2 April 2026, that a total of 19 Cypriot-flagged ships remain in the Arabian Gulf region near the Strait of Hormuz. The number represents an increase from the 11 vessels reported in the previous week's press conference by Shipping Deputy Minister Ms. Marina Hadjimanolis, reflecting the fact that additional Cyprus-flagged vessels have been unable to exit the Gulf as the crisis continues. The majority of those ships operate on a permanent basis in the region under the Cypriot flag, mainly providing specialised or auxiliary maritime services. Essentially, only one Cypriot ship is loaded with cargo, which is waiting to depart from the region when conditions permit. The Shipping Deputy Ministry continues to monitor the situation closely and maintains communication with the vessels and their operators.
Related Article:
Cyprus Mail 2/4 - Nineteen Cypriot-flagged ships remain near Strait of Hormuz
4. Cyprus Officially Recommends ICS International Medical Guide for Seafarers
Cyprus has officially recommended the ICS International Medical Guide for Seafarers for use on board vessels under its flag. The Guide is a comprehensive medical resource for use on all ships and fishing vessels, addressing the challenges of medical care at sea where professional help may be days away. The Deputy Ministry issued a circular recommending all Cyprus-flagged vessels carry the guide as a primary onboard medical reference and recommended all approved training establishments incorporate it into STCW medical courses.
This endorsement comes as amendments to the ILO MLC agreed in May 2025 will reference this guide, with the amendments taking effect in December 2027. Cyprus now joins Panama, Marshall Islands, and The Bahamas in endorsing this resource.
Related Articles:
Cyprus Mail 30/3 - Cyprus endorses ICS medical guide for seafarers and fishers
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
5. Strait of Hormuz: Ship transits carried out using secret codes, payments in yuan and flag changes
The situation in the Strait of Hormuz continues to evolve, with increasing implications for maritime security, vessel operations and global trade. While the security environment remains unstable, maritime traffic has not fully ceased. Instead, vessel movements are continuing at significantly reduced levels and under increasingly controlled conditions. Only a limited number of ships are transiting the strait, typically those considered lower risk based on ownership, trading patterns or geopolitical affiliation.
Industry and government sources suggest that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has effectively developed a system of transit control in the Strait of Hormuz. This framework reportedly includes the imposition of fees, preferential treatment for vessels linked to favourable states, and heightened risks for those associated with countries considered hostile. There are also indications that Iran may seek to formalise these practices through legislative action.
Under this arrangement, ship operators are required to submit comprehensive vessel information, including ownership, flag, cargo, destination, crew details and AIS data, through intermediaries connected to the IRGC. Following a security review, vessels deemed acceptable may enter negotiations over transit fees, which, in the case of oil tankers, are reportedly calculated on a per-barrel basis and payable in yuan or digital currencies. Once terms are agreed, vessels are issued authorisation codes and routing instructions and may be required to alter their flag or registry. In some cases, passage is accompanied by IRGC patrol vessels. The legality of such measures remains highly contested. While Iran maintains that these controls fall within its rights as a coastal state and under principles of self-defence, many legal experts question their compatibility with international law.
Recent reports indicate that Oman-linked vessels, have successfully transited the strait, suggesting that passage remains possible under specific conditions. This pattern aligns with indications that Oman is playing a facilitating and intermediary role, consistent with its broader diplomatic position in the region. Vessel movements appear to be taking place within a more structured and coordinated framework, with operators adopting cautious routing and enhanced risk management practices.
A key development is the proposed Iran–Oman monitoring framework, under which the two countries may coordinate oversight of maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. The arrangement is understood to focus on:
- Monitoring and verification of vessel movements;
- Facilitation of safe navigation under current conditions;
- Structured management of transit approvals.
While presented as a mechanism to support navigation, the framework may also serve to formalise existing transit control practices already being applied in the region.
However, the legal and operational implications of such an arrangement remain uncertain. The Strait of Hormuz is widely regarded as an international transit passage and the introduction of conditional access measures, monitoring frameworks, or transit-related charges raises questions regarding compatibility with international maritime law, particularly principles of freedom of navigation.
Related Articles:
NewMoney 31/03 - Strait of Hormuz: From a ‘bottleneck’ to a controlled corridor
NewMoney 01/04 - The likelihood of a resumption of Houthi attacks on commercial ships is increasing
Safety4sea 31/03 - Tanker strike in Dubai Port causes hull damage and raises environmental concerns
Atlantic Council 2/4 - Inside Tehran’s toll booth
Maritime Executive 2/4 - First LNG Carrier Among Three Omani Ships Breaking Out Through Hormuz
UANI 1/4 - Iran War Shipping Update
UANI 2/4 - Iran War Shipping Update
6. Coalition of countries discuss ‘every possible measure’ to pressure Iran into reopening strait of Hormuz
On 2 April 2026, the government of the United Kingdom convened a high-level international meeting addressing maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, with participation exceeding 40 states that had previously endorsed a joint statement of intent. The meeting, chaired by Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, was aimed at safeguarding freedom of navigation and ensuring the protection of seafarers. Prime Minister Keir Starmer reiterated that the United Kingdom is not a party to the conflict involving Iran, while emphasizing its substantial interest in de-escalation efforts and the reopening of this critical maritime corridor.
During the virtual summit, participating states reviewed a range of diplomatic, economic and coordinated measures intended to exert pressure on Iran to restore safe transit through the strait. It was underscored that disruptions to international shipping have imposed disproportionate impacts on states not directly engaged in the conflict. Government sources indicated that particular consideration was given to encouraging participation from countries in the Global South in applying economic pressure, with notable willingness observed even among states that have historically been hesitant to adopt sanctions. Concurrently, discussions conducted under the auspices of the United Nations included the potential establishment of a humanitarian maritime corridor. Such a mechanism would aim to facilitate the delivery of essential goods, including fertilizers, in order to mitigate emerging risks of food insecurity in vulnerable regions.
A subsequent military-level meeting has been scheduled to evaluate operational responses, including the clearance of naval mines and the provision of assistance to vessels currently stranded within the area. This meeting is expected to be coordinated by the United Kingdom’s Permanent Joint Headquarters in Northwood, with participation from international partners. It is notable that the United States did not participate in the summit, despite its central role in the broader conflict. In response, European and regional stakeholders are considering alternative mechanisms to restore access to the maritime route. The President of the United States, Donald Trump, publicly called upon states reliant on the strait to adopt more decisive measures. In contrast, the United Kingdom has maintained that reopening the passage, through which a significant proportion of global oil and gas supplies transit, presents considerable operational and strategic challenges.
In the meantime, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, has warned that the ongoing escalation may evolve into a broader regional conflict with significant global consequences and called for the immediate cessation of hostilities and restoration of stability. The United Nations Security Council is scheduled to vote on a draft resolution proposed by Bahrain aimed at safeguarding commercial shipping in and around the Strait of Hormuz. In response to a series of attacks on its port infrastructure attributed to Iran, Bahrain has prohibited ship crew movement at night. China, a permanent Council member, has opposed any provisions authorizing the use of force. The Council’s meeting and vote have been rescheduled for Saturday due to a UN holiday.
Finally, due to the ongoing geopolitical crisis, the Secretary-General of IMO, Mr. Arsenio Dominguez, has urged States to support diplomatic efforts to evacuate approximately 20,000 seafarers stranded in the Persian Gulf and to establish humanitarian corridors for urgent assistance. During a virtual meeting convened by the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) with Foreign Ministers from over 40 States, Secretary-General Dominguez emphasized the primacy of seafarer safety, the rights and freedoms of navigation, and the necessity of de-escalation and operational maritime solutions rather than purely military measures.
Related Articles:
NewMoney 02/04 - Britain mobilizes 35 countries to ensure security in the Strait of Hormuz
ABC 02/04 - Military planners to meet on Strait of Hormuz as UN warns of wider Middle East war
Reuters 02/04 - UN to vote on Hormuz resolution as China opposes authorization of force
UN 02/04 - Guterres warns of ‘wider war’ as Middle East conflict enters second month
SAFETY4SEA 03/04 - UN leads Task Force to safeguard shipping and humanitarian corridors
Attachment 1: TradeWinds 30/03 - Bahrain imposes seafarer curfew in wake of Iranian attacks
Attachment 2: TradeWinds 02/04 - UK hosts talks with 35 nations on Strait of Hormuz transits — with one notable absentee
Attachment 3: Reuters 2/4 - Britain says 40 countries discuss reopening Strait of Hormuz after Iran blockade
7. EUNAVFOR ASPIDES: Threat level for merchant vessels in Red Sea and Gulf of Aden
On 28 March 2026, the EUNAVFOR ASPIDES issued an updated threat assessment for merchant vessels operating in the Red Sea, Bab el-Mandeb Strait and Gulf of Aden.
The assessment indicates that the overall risk level in the region remains elevated. Vessels with no links to Israel or the United States are currently considered to face a medium threat level, while vessels associated with Israel are assessed as being at higher risk. The differentiation reflects ongoing regional tensions and the targeting patterns observed in previous incidents.
The report highlights that the capabilities of Houthi forces are still regarded as substantial, and recent developments in the region suggest a potential for renewed activity.
Shipping companies are advised to continue applying enhanced vigilance measures, including voyage-specific risk assessments and coordination with maritime security authorities. The situation underscores the importance of ongoing monitoring and preparedness when transiting through this strategically significant maritime corridor.
Related Articles:
Safety4Sea 30/03 - EUNAVFOR ASPIDES: Threat level for merchant vessels in Red Sea and Gulf of Aden
Infomarine - EUNAVFOR ASPIDES warns of rising Red Sea shipping threat
8. Suez Canal introduces new IMO-compliant hazardous waste services
On 27 March 2026, new hazardous waste reception services were introduced in the Suez Canal, marking a development in environmental management for vessels transiting the waterway.
The initiative provides fully IMO-compliant services for the collection and handling of hazardous waste generated by ships, aligning operations in the canal with international maritime environmental standards.
The services are part of broader efforts to enhance sustainability and reduce pollution in one of the world’s busiest shipping routes. They are expected to support vessels in meeting their regulatory obligations while transiting the canal, particularly in relation to waste management requirements under international conventions.
The project also reflects a move towards more structured and integrated environmental solutions within high-traffic maritime corridors, with implementation involving coordinated waste collection, handling, and disposal processes.
Overall, the introduction of these services highlights a continued focus on aligning maritime operations with environmental compliance standards and improving waste management practices in key global shipping hubs.
Related Articles:
Safety4Sea 27/03 - Suez Canal introduces new IMO-compliant hazardous waste services
9. Shadow Fleet: At least 25 sanctioned Russian ships pass through UK waters after boarding threat
More than 25 vessels linked to Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” passed through UK waters after Prime Minister, Mr. Keir Starmer, warned that sanctioned ships could be boarded and detained. Despite the statement, no interceptions have been carried out so far, highlighting the legal and operational complexities of enforcing sanctions at sea. The continued movement of these vessels through busy shipping lanes has raised concerns about the effectiveness of current enforcement measures.
Four shadow fleet vessels were identified loitering near UK subsea cables and pipelines, raising security concerns over critical maritime infrastructure. In response, the Royal Air Force (RAF) launched surveillance aircraft to monitor the vessels’ activities and movements. Authorities are increasingly focused on the potential risks posed by suspicious vessel behaviour in sensitive maritime areas.
According to a joint investigation by Follow the Money and The Kyiv Independent, eight (8) shadow fleet crewing agencies have been found operating within the European Union, including companies based in Cyprus. The investigation identified around sixty (60) vessels with crews sourced through agencies linked to sanctioned-country networks, highlighting how parts of the maritime services sector may indirectly support shadow fleet operations.
The global shadow fleet is now estimated at approximately 3,240 vessels. So far, the European Union has sanctioned around 600 ships, the United Kingdom approximately 500, and the United States around 216. Despite these measures, the fleet continues to grow, underscoring the ongoing challenges faced by regulators and maritime authorities in curbing sanctions-evasion activities.
Related Articles:
Attachment 4: Reuters 31/3 - At least 25 sanctioned Russian ships pass through UK waters after boarding threat
Follow The Money 3/4 - The Shadow Fleet Secrets
Kyiv Independent 1/4 - Exclusive: discovered what's going on inside Russia's shadow fleet
10. IMO Facilitation Committee Approves Maritime Digitalization Strategy and Cyber Security Measures
The International Maritime Organization (IMO), through its Facilitation Committee (FAL), has taken further steps towards enhancing digitalization and cybersecurity within the maritime sector. During its 49th session, the Committee approved a work plan for the development of a comprehensive IMO Strategy on Maritime Digitalization, with adoption expected by 2027. The strategy aims to support the use of emerging technologies to improve efficiency, safety, and sustainability across global shipping operations.
As part of this initiative, a dedicated correspondence group has been established to define the scope, objectives, and implementation framework of the strategy, ensuring coordination across IMO bodies and engagement from Member States and stakeholders.
The Committee also progressed several related digital measures, including:
- Approval of updated guidelines on electronic certificates, supporting the transition to paperless documentation;
- Enhancements to the IMO Compendium on Facilitation and Electronic Business, aimed at standardising maritime data exchange;
- Revised Maritime Single Window (MSW) guidelines, improving verification processes and reducing administrative burdens .
In parallel, the Committee agreed to advance work on cybersecurity within maritime digital systems, including the development of potential mandatory cybersecurity measures for Maritime Single Window platforms.
These developments reflect the IMO’s broader objective of enabling a more connected and efficient maritime environment, while ensuring that increased digitalisation is supported by appropriate security frameworks and operational safeguards.
Related Articles:
IMO 31/03 - Facilitation Committee approves digitalization strategy and cyber security measures
MarineLink 31/3 - IMO Facilitation Committee Approves Digitalization Strategy
Safety4Sea 1/4 - IMO approves Strategy on Maritime Digitalization
11. Deep Divisions Over IMO Net-Zero Framework – Japan Proposes Carbon Tax Removal
Recent updates from the IMO and industry sources highlight continued focus on environmental regulation, particularly in the lead-up to the 84th session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 84), scheduled from 27 April to 1 May 2026 in London.
MEPC 84 is expected to address a range of environmental priorities, including greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction, air pollution prevention, energy efficiency of ships, and marine pollution measures such as ballast water management and plastic litter. Additional agenda items include discussions on underwater noise reduction, biodiversity protection, and potential amendments to MARPOL Annex VI.
A central issue under discussion is the IMO Net-Zero Framework. Although initially advanced in April 2025 (MEPC 83), its formal adoption was postponed following an extraordinary session held 14–17 October 2025, due to lack of consensus among Member States.
In this context, recent submissions from Member States reflect ongoing divergence of views. On 27 March 2026, Japan proposed revisions to the framework, including the removal or adjustment of the proposed “global carbon tax” mechanism, which would require ships failing to meet emissions targets to contribute to an IMO fund.
Japan’s proposal suggests allowing greater use of compliance flexibility mechanisms, such as trading surplus units between ships, instead of mandatory financial contributions. It also raises concerns regarding the feasibility of current emissions targets and their potential economic impact on the shipping sector, including limitations on certain fuel options.
These developments highlight broader differences among Member States regarding the balance between environmental ambition and practical implementation. Negotiations are expected to continue throughout 2026, with MEPC 84 seen as a key milestone for further progress, including possible refinement of both technical and market-based measures.
In parallel, additional environmental initiatives are being prepared for consideration at MEPC 84, including further work on marine plastic litter and pollution prevention measures.
Overall, current developments indicate ongoing efforts to advance environmental regulation within the maritime sector, while highlighting the challenges in achieving consensus on global decarbonisation measures. The outcome of MEPC 84 is expected to play an important role in shaping future regulatory direction.
Related Articles:
IMO - Meeting Summaries and Schedule
Lloyd's List 1/4 - The Daily View: Technical difficulties
IndexBox 30/3 - IMO Net-Zero Framework at Risk as Member States Clash Over Fuel Transition
Ship&Bunker 27/3 - Japan Pushes to Drop IMO Fund Payments in Net-Zero Framework
SAFETY4SEA 27/3 - Japan proposes removal of the “global carbon tax” scheme
12. ILO and BIMCO Launch Pilot Employment Injury Scheme for Ship Recycling Workers in Bangladesh
ILO and BIMCO jointly launched a pilot Employment Injury Scheme (EIS) for ship recycling workers in Bangladesh. Under the scheme, shipowners contribute $0.50 per light displacement tonnage via a Letter of Intent facilitated by BIMCO. Funds are channelled through the ILO under a governance system with a national tripartite board comprising government, employers, and worker representatives.
The scheme covers financial compensation and medical support for injured workers, or their families in case of death, aligned with international standards. The framework draws from a similar scheme in the Ready-Made Garment sector. ILO expects transition to a mandatory national programme by July 2027.
Related Articles:
The In Cap 30/3 - ILO–BIMCO Launch Injury Protection Scheme for Bangladesh’s Ship Recycling Workers
13. US TREASURY REPORT
The US Treasury Report for all actions reported is hereby attached.
Related Article:
Attachment 5: US Treasury Report for week 28/03/2026 – 03/04/2026
14. EU SANCTIONS LIST
Please note that no updates have been published this week regarding the EU Consolidated List or the EU Sanctions Map.
15. 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 04/03/2026 – 01/04/2026
Nothing important to report from ECSA and the House of Representatives.