18th April 2026 – 24th April 2026
LOCAL NEWS
1. High-Level Ministerial and Stakeholders Conference to be held in Limassol – 28 April 2026
- The event forms part of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union (CY2026.EU)
The Shipping Deputy Ministry of the Republic of Cyprus, in cooperation with Maritime Cyprus, will host a High-Level Ministerial and Stakeholders Conference entitled "Investing in Seafarers: Securing the Future of Global Shipping". The Conference will take place on Tuesday, 28 April 2026, at the Four Seasons Hotel in Limassol, from 10:00 to 16:30 hrs.
The Conference will open with welcome addresses by the Shipping Deputy Minister, Ms. Marina Hadjimanolis, on behalf of the President of Cyprus, followed by keynote speeches from Mr. Apostolos Tzitzikostas, EU Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, and Ms. Elisavet Vozemberg-Vrionidi, Chair of the Transport and Tourism Committee of the European Parliament.
The President of our Union, Mr. Polys V. Hajioannou, will deliver an Address at the Conference.
The programme includes a Ministerial High-Level Roundtable on seafarers as the foundation of global shipping, a Special Recognition Ceremony honouring Captain Panagiotis N. Tsakos, and two thematic sessions focusing on:
- raising awareness and promoting maritime careers, and
- attracting and retaining talent through a just transition and equal participation.
For further information, including the detailed agenda and list of speakers, please follow the link below:
SDM - High-Level Ministerial & Stakeholders Conference
Related Article:
Attachment 1: Agenda
2. Shipping Deputy Ministry Explores Maritime-Aviation Synergy with Flight Safety Foundation
On Wednesday, 22 April 2026, Shipping Deputy Minister, Ms. Marina Hadjimanolis, held a meeting with representatives of the Flight Safety Foundation, underscoring Cyprus's efforts to forge closer links between the maritime and aviation sectors.
According to an official update by the Shipping Deputy Ministry, discussions focused on transport safety, sector competitiveness, and workforce training. Both sides explored ways to strengthen cooperation between the two sectors, with particular emphasis placed on shared challenges, including safety, the competitiveness of shipping and aviation, and the need for continuous education and training of human resources.
The involvement of the Flight Safety Foundation, which was established in 1945 and today counts more than 1,000 organisations and individuals in 150 countries among its membership, is notable in that context, given the organisation's long-standing international role in safety guidance, information sharing, education, advocacy and communications. Although its work is rooted in aviation, the meeting reflects an effort to exchange experience across two sectors facing similar operational and regulatory pressures.
The meeting also reflects Cyprus' wider effort to keep safety, human capital and international cooperation high on its shipping agenda, alongside the sector's continued growth. Minister Hadjimanolis noted last month that the tonnage of the Cyprus ship registry had risen by 23 per cent since September 2023, while ship management's contribution to GDP reached 17 per cent in 2025.
Related Article:
Cyprus Mail 22/4 - Cyprus explores maritime-aviation synergy to boost transport safety
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
3. Strait of Hormuz Crisis Escalates Further
A. Iran Seizes Vessels and US Expands Blockade
As reported in last week's newsletter, the Strait of Hormuz crisis continued to intensify during the reporting period, with both the United States and Iran conducting vessel seizures and further military operations in and around the critical waterway.
On Sunday, 20 April 2026, the US guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance fired on and disabled an Iranian-flagged container vessel in the northern Arabian Sea as it attempted to reach the port of Bandar Abbas through the Strait of Hormuz. After reportedly refusing US orders for six hours, Marines boarded and seized the vessel, which had been under OFAC sanctions since 2020. Iran denounced the seizure as "armed maritime piracy" and refused to send negotiators to scheduled US-Iran talks in Islamabad.
On Tuesday, 22 April 2026, the situation escalated significantly when Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) attacked three containerships attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz. Two vessels were seized and one managed to escape to safety in the United Arab Emirates. Iran accused the vessels of operating without the necessary permits and tampering with navigation systems. On the same day, President Trump announced an open-ended extension of the ceasefire, citing requests from Pakistan's Prime Minister and Army Chief.
On Wednesday, 23 April 2026, President Trump declared that he, not Iran, is keeping the Strait of Hormuz closed, stating it would prevent Iran from earning "$500 million a day". The White House confirmed the ceasefire extension is open-ended, while Iran's chief negotiator stated that reopening the Strait is "not possible" due to "blatant violations of the ceasefire" by the United States and Israel. Iranian President Pezeshkian said Tehran wants dialogue but "breach of commitments, blockade and threats" are the main obstacles.
On Thursday, 24 April 2026, reports indicated that President Trump ordered Iranian boats to be shot in the Strait, while the Pentagon informed Congress that clearing the Strait of Hormuz of mines could take six months.
According to maritime intelligence data, daily traffic through the Strait has collapsed to single digits, down from an average of approximately 129 transits per day before the conflict began on 28 February 2026. An estimated 800 vessels remain stranded in the area, while US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed it has turned back 31 vessels as part of its blockade operations, involving over 10,000 troops, 17 warships and more than 100 aircraft.
B. Industry on alert over scam messages offering ships “safe passage” on Hormuz
In addition to the above – mentioned risks, several sources point out, that ships should exercise caution, since fraudulent messages offering safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for cryptocurrency have been circulated to shipping companies with vessels stranded west of the waterway.
In an alert issued on 20 April, MARISKS cautioned that unknown actors posing as Iranian authorities had contacted shipping companies, demanding payment in cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin or Tether in exchange for transit “clearance.”
C. IMO Prepares Evacuation Plan for Vessels Stranded in the Strait of Hormuz
In response to the attacks on ships in the troubled area, IMO Secretary-General, Mr. Arsenio Dominguez, announced on the sidelines of Singapore Maritime Week on Monday, 21st April 2026, that the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) is preparing a plan to evacuate approximately 800 vessels that remain stuck in and around the Strait of Hormuz,
The proposed plan focuses on creating a "safe maritime corridor" to prioritise the evacuation of seafarers rather than cargo. Ships would depart in an organised sequence, partly based on how long crews have been stranded. Any movement would follow the long-established Traffic Separation Scheme developed by Iran and Oman and adopted by the IMO in 1968. However, the evacuation can only proceed if the conflict de-escalates and the region is confirmed safe, specifically free of threats such as naval mines.
Secretary-General Dominguez also issued a strong statement on recent attacks on ships in the Middle East, saying the attacks and seizures of commercial vessels are "unacceptable" and calling for them to stop immediately, along with the release of all ships and seafarers. He described speaking to a seafarer stranded in the Persian Gulf, who reported constant stress from missiles overhead, risk of debris, rationing of supplies and difficulty keeping family informed.
Nearly 20,000 seafarers remain stuck after more than seven weeks, still unsure when they can return home. The International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) has strongly condemned the wave of attacks and vessel seizures, with ITF General Secretary Stephen Cotton warning that commercial shipping has effectively become "a theatre of this war" and calling on shipowners not to risk crews' lives.
Since the conflict began, the ITF reports receiving approximately 1,900 requests for assistance from seafarers and their families in the Persian Gulf region, of which roughly half concern pay and contractual issues, 20 per cent relate to repatriation, and about 10 per cent involve shortages of essential supplies. So far, 450 seafarers have been repatriated with ITF assistance.
D. Oil Prices Surge Above $106 Per Barrel Amid Hormuz Deadlock
Amid the continued escalation in the Strait of Hormuz Oil prices have surged sharply, with Brent crude rising above $106 per barrel on Thursday, 24 April 2026, up nearly 5 per cent from its closing price on Wednesday when it had already surpassed $100 per barrel for the first time in two weeks.
The price spike came as President Trump appeared to expand the scope of the US naval blockade beyond Iranian ports, declaring on social media that no ship "can enter or leave" the Strait without the approval of the US Navy, adding that it is "sealed up tight" until Iran is able to make a deal.
According to the latest report from the EU Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER), the Middle East conflict could cut 20 per cent of global LNG exports. The EU sourced 7 per cent of its LNG from Qatar during winter 2025/2026, equivalent to 4 per cent of natural gas imports. If Qatari production remains offline until December 2026, a global LNG supply shortfall of 26 billion cubic metres could arise. TTF gas prices peaked above EUR 60/MWh after attacks on energy facilities, and competition with Asia for flexible LNG cargoes could push prices up further.
E. US, Europe developing plans for Strait of Hormuz
As the shut down has caused massive ripples in the global economy, according to multiple sources familiar with the matter, US military officials are developing new plans to target Iran’s capabilities in the Strait of Hormuz in the event the current ceasefire with Iran falls apart.
The options, among several sets of target types under consideration, include strikes with a particular focus on “dynamic targeting” of Iran’s capabilities around the Strait of Hormuz, southern Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman, the sources said, describing potential attacks against small fast attack boats, minelaying vessels and other asymmetric assets that have helped Tehran effectively shut down those key waterways and use them as leverage over the US.
On the other hand, European powers are moving to establish a multinational naval mission to secure shipping in the Strait of Hormuz after fighting in the Iran war disrupted traffic through one of the world’s most critical trade routes.
At talks in London this week, military planners from 30 countries met to discuss how such an operation could work in practice and how commercial vessels could be protected.
At the heart of proposals by United Kingdom and France is a "strictly defensive" multinational naval operation, focused on protecting commercial vessels from attacks rather than targeting positions on land. The two countries say that the mission, would be deployed only after a negotiated end to hostilities between the United States and Iran.
The European Three (E3) — consisting of Germany, France and the UK — are expected to shoulder much of the military burden. Germany has indicated it would be prepared to contribute mine clearance vessels and maritime reconnaissance, pending parliamentary approval.
On Friday, 24th April 2026, French President Emmanuel Macron, speaking on the sidelines of the European Union summit in Nicosia, Cyprus, stated that restoring stability to the Middle East is “in the interest of all nations.” He noted that the ongoing tensions and the consequences of the Iran war have caused instability in global markets and increased concerns for the international economy. He emphasized that the priority for European countries must be to restore stable conditions in the region and prevent the spread of uncertainty in the global economy.
Related Articles:
Al Jazeera 20/4 - US captures Iranian ship Touska amid mediation efforts: All we know
Al Jazeera 22/4 - Iran captures two vessels in Strait of Hormuz after ship comes under fire
Al Jazeera 23/4 - How Iran raised Hormuz stakes by capturing ships
Al Jazeera 23/4 - Trump says he is keeping Strait of Hormuz closed, not Iran
Splash24/7 20/4 - Hormuz crisis intensifies
Splash24/7 22/4 - Gunfire and gridlock choke Hormuz
Splash24/7 22/4 - Iran seizes two boxships after fresh attacks in Strait of Hormuz
Safety4Sea 23/4 - Iran releases footage of boarding of container ship in Hormuz
Safety4Sea 23/4 - US intercepts Iranian tankers in Asian waters
BBC 22/4 - Iran says it has seized two ships in Strait of Hormuz after vessels attacked
Safety4Sea 23/4 - IMO preparing a plan to evacuate vessels in Hormuz
Safety4Sea 23/4 - ITF to shipowners: Do not gamble with seafarer lives
Splash247 21/4 - The unprecedented plight of seafarers in the Hormuz crisis
Cyprus Mail 23/4 - IMO chief condemns ship attacks and seizures in Middle East
Al Jazeera 24/4 - Oil rises above $106 per barrel as US, Iran deadlocked in Strait of Hormuz
Daily Mirror 24/4 - Oil rises above $106 per barrel as US, Iran deadlocked in Strait of Hormuz
Safety4Sea 23/4 - ACER: Impact of the Middle East conflict on EU gas markets
Safety4Sea 23/4 - Intermodal: Disruptions reshaping the VLCC market
SAFET4SEA 21/04, Industry on alert over scam messages offering ships “safe passage” on Hormuz
NEWMONEY 21/04, The danger in the Middle East is escalating: The Strait of Hormuz is in the "red"
KATHIMERINI 24/04, Trump: US has full control of the Strait of Hormuz
KATHIMERINI 24/04 Iran's first revenue from "tolls" in Hormuz
Reuters 24/04 - Israel, Lebanon extend ceasefire as Trump seeks 'best deal' with Iran
Reuters 24/04 - Iran fast-boat swarms add to Hormuz threats for shipping
What is Europe's plan to secure the Strait of Hormuz?
Europe Pushes For Stability And Free Navigation In Strait Of Hormuz
4. 20th package of restrictive measures against Russia and Belarus
On 23 April 2026, the EU Council adopted the 20th package of restrictive measures, introducing 120 additional individual listings alongside comprehensive, multi-layered economic sanctions targeting key sectors of Russia’s economy. A detailed report on the 20th package of restrictive measures against Russia and Belarus is hereby attached.
With regard to maritime-related measures, a total ban on Russian oil trade and associated maritime services was ultimately avoided, preventing potentially severe consequences for the European shipping sector. This outcome allows for alignment with the G7 and the price cap coalition, ensuring that any future measures are coordinated at a global level and maintain international effectiveness.
As noted, this outcome reflects a targeted and strategic negotiation approach led by the Cypriot EU Presidency, which successfully resulted in the withdrawal of the European Commission’s initial proposal for a full maritime ban. The Cyprus Union of Shipowners extends its sincere appreciation to the Deputy Minister of Shipping, Ms Marina Hadjimanoli and her team for their decisive contribution to this result.
Related Articles:
Attachment 2: 20th package of restrictive measures against Russia and Belarus
Attachment 3: TradeWinds 23/4 - EU's new Russia sanctions package leaves out maritime services ban
Attachment 4: Lloyd's List 23/4 - EU adopts 20th sanctions package against Russia
Attachment 5: Lloyd's List 24/4 - EU confirms 20th sanctions package - without maritime services ban
European Council 23/4 - Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine: 20th round of stern EU sanctions
European Commission 23/4 - EU adopts 20th package of sanctions against Russia
European Commission 23/4 - Questions and answers on the 20th package of sanctions against Russia
EuroNews 23/4 - EU agrees fresh sanctions on Russia but leaves maritime services ban on hold
Trade Compliance Resource Hub 24/4 - EU’s 20th Sanctions Package on Russia
PRESS RELEASE - EUROPEAN COMMISSION
5. IMO approves new guidelines on ship registration
The Legal Committee of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), at its 113th session held in London from 13 to 17 April 2026, approved a set of non-binding international guidelines aimed at enhancing transparency, accountability, and due diligence in ship registration processes, and at preventing fraudulent registrations and the misuse of flags. The Guidelines seek to address a significant regulatory gap in the maritime sector, in light of the absence of a binding international framework governing ship registration. They are intended to support both new and existing flag State registries by introducing practical measures aimed at strengthening verification processes and due diligence, ensuring the accuracy of ownership records, and enhancing oversight of registration procedures.
In particular, the Guidelines set out provisions relating to: (i) legislative governance and control over entities authorized to conduct ship registration; (ii) quality assurance procedures; (iii) due diligence requirements concerning ownership and vessel identification; (iv) eligibility verification; and (v) information-sharing mechanisms among relevant authorities. The Committee noted a significant increase in incidents involving the fraudulent use of flags, with 529 vessels reported to have falsely flown the flag of a State within the past year, affecting nearly 40 Member States.
At the close of the session, IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez described the adoption of the Guidelines as an important step in strengthening due diligence in ship registration, enhancing maritime safety, environmental protection, and seafarer welfare. The Committee noted progress towards the entry into force of the 2010 HNS Protocol, expected in 2027, while highlighting the need for coordinated implementation due to significant certification requirements. It further expressed concern over the rising number of seafarer abandonment cases, emphasizing the importance of effective safeguards under the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 and stronger enforcement by flag and port States, alongside improved coordination mechanisms. Additional matters addressed included fraudulent ship registration, through the adoption of new due diligence guidelines, the need to regulate liability for alternative fuels, ongoing work to combat substandard shipping, and condemnation of threats to maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, reaffirming the right of transit passage under international law.
Finally, the Committee recognized a regulatory gap concerning liability and compensation regimes applicable to alternative fuels used in ship propulsion. It agreed on the need to either develop a dedicated international framework or amend existing instruments to ensure adequate legal certainty and protection for affected parties and established a correspondence group to advance this work.
Related Articles:
IMO 17/04 - IMO approves new guidelines on ship registration
6. Maritime Industry Coalition Calls for Consensus Ahead of MEPC 84
A broad maritime industry coalition representing approximately half the world's fleet has called on IMO Member States to approach the upcoming MEPC 84 session, scheduled for 27 April to 1 May 2026, as a decisive opportunity to build the consensus the industry urgently needs on shipping decarbonisation.
In a joint statement signed on Monday, 21 April 2026, the coalition — which brings together open ship registries, classification societies, national and regional shipowner associations across Europe, Asia and the Americas, as well as shipping companies operating across different vessel segments — highlighted that the maritime industry is united in its commitment to decarbonisation. Shipping carries approximately 80 per cent of world trade and is responsible for roughly 3 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions.
The coalition noted that the extraordinary session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC ES.2) in October 2025 concluded without the adoption of the Net-Zero Framework (NZF), an outcome that underscored the depth of the divisions among IMO Member States. Since that session, the signatories noted that concerns regarding the NZF's practical implementation have grown and support for the framework in its current form has continued to erode.
The signatories reaffirmed their conviction that the IMO is, and must remain, the essential global regulator for international shipping, as only the IMO has the mandate, legitimacy and reach to deliver the level playing field that shipowners, fuel producers and investors need to commit the trillions of dollars required to decarbonise the global fleet.
As reported in last week's newsletter, the Cyprus Union of Shipowners (CUS) is closely monitoring these developments in cooperation with the Cyprus Government. Our Union has recently endorsed a proposal submitted by Liberia, supported by the United States, advocating for a realistic and fact-based approach that takes into account fuel availability and cost implications.
Related Articles:
Safety4Sea 22/4 - Coalition representing half the world's fleet calls for consensus ahead of MEPC 84
Safety4Sea 22/4 - Clean Arctic Alliance: IMO should make bold decisions during MEPC 84
Safety4Sea 21/4 - Clean Shipping Coalition calls on IMO to boost NZF technical foundations
Safety4Sea 23/4 - Methanol Institute: Global approach to decarbonization is essential
7. Indonesia Explores Levy on Ships Transiting the Malacca Strait
Indonesia is exploring the introduction of a levy on vessels passing through the Straits of Malacca, one of the world's most important maritime chokepoints connecting the Indian and Pacific Oceans.
At a financial symposium in Jakarta on Wednesday, 22 April 2026, Indonesian Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa acknowledged that while Indonesia lies along the Strait, monetising it is neither simple nor necessarily appropriate. He noted that any levy would require coordination with neighbouring states and also referenced discussions around vessel charges in the Strait of Hormuz as a potential comparison.
The proposal has drawn immediate opposition from the region. Singapore's Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan reiterated that navigation through the Malacca Straits must remain open and unrestricted for all users, while Malaysia's Transport Minister Loke Siew Fook stressed that Malaysia remains committed to ensuring both freedom of navigation and transit through the Straits.
The Indonesian Finance Minister indicated the idea is still in its early stages and would face significant hurdles, including agreement among littoral states and resistance from global shipping stakeholders. The discussion comes at a particularly sensitive time, as the Hormuz crisis has already demonstrated the profound impact that chokepoint disruption can have on global trade and energy supply chains.
Related Articles:
Attachment 6: Lloyd's List 24/4 - Indonesia says it has no plan to toll Malacca Strait
Safety4Sea 23/4 - Indonesian Minister suggests levy on ships transiting Malacca Strait
8. Shipping Leaders Gather at Singapore Maritime Week Amid Geopolitical Turbulence
Global shipping leaders gathered in Singapore this week for Singapore Maritime Week (20th – 24th April 2026), one of the industry's leading annual events, against a backdrop of unprecedented geopolitical disruption, regulatory uncertainty and growing decarbonisation pressures.
Key topics of discussion included the ongoing Strait of Hormuz crisis and its severe impact on global supply chains, as well as the need for coordinated international responses to maritime security threats.
The IMO Secretary-General's announcement of a vessel evacuation plan (as reported above – see article no. 5) was made at the event.
Industry analysts warned that even amid the ceasefire extension, commercial shipping remains unsafe as transits through the Strait stay far below normal and tensions continue to disrupt supply chains. One analyst described the situation as "the weaponisation of trade", cautioning that the effects of the Hormuz disruption are now being felt across the Panama Canal, where auction slot prices have surged by 180 per cent from approximately $135,000 to $385,000, with some vessels paying over $1 million for last-minute crossing slots.
The shadow fleet has expanded to more than 2,100 vessels, of which 66 per cent are now sanctioned, while vessel interdictions have increased by 160 per cent quarter-on-quarter. An industry report described the first quarter of 2026 as the most turbulent for shipping in half a century.
Related Articles:
Splash24/7 24/4 - Panama Canal prices take flight on Iran butterfly effect
Splash24/7 23/4 - Hormuz becomes frontline in 'weaponisation of trade'
Safety4Sea 23/4 - Xeneta: The Strait of Hormuz and the weaponization of trade
Cyprus Mail 24/4 - Shipping experts call for united action amid geopolitical tensions
9. US TREASURY REPORT
The US Treasury Report for all actions reported is hereby attached.
Related Article:
Attachment 7: US Treasury Report for week 18/04/2026 – 24/04/2026
10. EU SANCTIONS LIST
Please see article 5 above.
11. PIRACY REPORT
The Piracy Report for all actions reported is hereby attached.
Related Article:
Attachment 8: Worldwide Threat to Shipping (WTS) Report, 24 April, For the period between 25 March – 22 April 2026
Nothing important to report from ILO, ECSA and the House of Representatives.