06th June 2026 – 13th June 2026
LOCAL NEWS
1. Working visit of the Deputy Minister of Shipping to Luxembourg for the Transport Council under the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU – Approval of conclusions on the EU maritime industrial strategy
On 8 June 2026, the EU Transport Council met in Luxembourg under the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Deputy Minister of Shipping Marina Hadjimanolis and Minister of Transport, Communications and Works Alexis Vafeadis jointly led discussions on the future decarbonisation of transport beyond 2030, including the review of key legislative measures such as the FuelEU Maritime Regulation. The Deputy Minister subsequently chaired the session during which Member States approved the Council Conclusions on the European Industrial Maritime Strategy, a priority initiative of the Cyprus Presidency.
Following the meeting, European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism Apostolos Tzitzikostas, Minister Alexis Vafeadis and Deputy Minister Marina Hadjimanolis presented at a joint press conference the Council's approval of the conclusions on the EU maritime industrial strategy, underlining the strategic importance of Europe's maritime manufacturing and shipping sectors for the European Union's competitiveness, resilience, economic security, defence readiness, prosperity and decarbonisation objectives.
In the conclusions, member states recognise the maritime sector as a cornerstone of Europe's industrial base and stress its essential role in safeguarding supply chains, supporting the clean transition and strengthening the EU's technological leadership. They also acknowledge the diverse national, regional and local characteristics of maritime manufacturing and shipping industries across the Union and the different priorities of member states.
The maritime industrial strategy is a structured action plan with the aim to strengthen Europe's maritime leadership by advancing high-tech shipbuilding and cutting-edge port equipment.
The Council notes that the European maritime manufacturing and shipping industries face growing challenges, including intensifying global competition, geopolitical tensions, strategic dependencies on third-country production, the need to accelerate decarbonisation and persistent labour and skills shortages.
The adopted conclusions set out key priorities to address these challenges, which include: (i) encouraging investment aimed at reducing strategic dependencies and reinforcing critical industrial capacities, (ii) investment in innovative shipbuilding technologies, clean propulsion systems and research and innovation, (iii) decarbonisation and sustainability, with the conclusions recalling the importance of using revenues generated under the EU emissions trading system (EU ETS) for climate-related purposes, (iv) strengthening the EU's resilience, preparedness and defence capabilities, including the protection of critical maritime infrastructure and the resilience of maritime supply chains and (v) dealing with significant labour shortages, an ageing workforce and increasingly demanding working conditions by strengthening maritime education and training, including upskilling and reskilling initiatives.
Related Articles:
2. CUS President: “Cyprus’ greatest opportunity lies in further expanding the Cyprus-flagged fleet and strengthening its role as a leading maritime centre”
In an interview with Cyprus Business News (CBN), the President of the Cyprus Union of Shipowners, Mr. Polys V. Hajioannou, discussed the Union’s priorities at a time of profound transformation in global shipping. He highlighted that Cyprus’ core strengths remain clear — a strategic location, a European Union identity, and an internationally respected flag — and that the country’s greatest opportunity lies in further expanding the Cyprus-flagged fleet and strengthening the island’s position as a leading maritime centre. He noted that the Union's members control the majority of the Cyprus Registry and actively promote the Cyprus flag abroad, particularly within the ever-expanding Greek Shipping community.
On environmental regulation, Mr. Hajioannou reiterated that, while the Union fully supports Europe’s decarbonisation goals, the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) places a disproportionate burden on shipowners — especially smaller operators and tramp shipping — and must be coordinated with global measures to avoid a double regulatory burden alongside the IMO’s Net Zero Framework. He cautioned that shipping cannot decarbonise as quickly as land-based industries, as the necessary technologies, fuels and infrastructure are not yet available at scale.
Addressing geopolitical developments, he noted that sanctions, regional conflicts and changing trade routes are increasing costs and uncertainty, while emphasising the importance of protecting seafarers through risk assessments, security guidance and sanctions compliance support.
Finally, the CUS President welcomed the closer cooperation between the State and the industry, citing the digital reforms of the Shipping Deputy Ministry and the new Shipowners Advisory Committee, which gives leading Cyprus-flagged shipowners a direct advisory role on flag matters. Cautioning that Cyprus’ only “blind spot” would be to assume that past success guarantees future strength, he reaffirmed the Union’s commitment to keeping Cyprus shipping competitive, resilient and internationally recognised.
Please find the full interview at the link below and in the attached file.
Related Article:
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
3. EU Proposes 21st Sanctions Package Against Russia, Targeting the “Shadow Fleet”
On Tuesday, 9 June 2026, the European Commission presented its proposed 21st package of sanctions against Russia. On the maritime side, the package proposes listing around 30 additional “shadow fleet” tankers, which would bring the total number of vessels denied access to EU ports to more than 660. For the first time, it also targets vessels and operators that assist the shadow fleet by providing services such as bunkering and refuelling. Two Russian ports will also face transaction bans.
The package, which was presented to EU ambassadors on Wednesday, 10th June 2026 for negotiations, also proposes new restrictions affecting LNG shipping, measures against a number of Russian banks, and a range of other trade and financial measures.
According to reports, a full ban on the provision of maritime services to Russian oil tankers was removed from the draft after losing momentum amid tensions in the Middle East and opposition from certain Member States, including Greece and Malta.
The Commission also proposed deferring the scheduled mid-July revision of the Russian oil price cap, after disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz pushed Russian crude prices higher — a movement that, under the existing mechanism, would otherwise have forced an upward adjustment of the cap The Commission proposed to freeze the oil price cap at its current level for six months to avoid rewarding Moscow with higher revenues thanks to the Iran war. The current level is $44.10, well below Brent oil futures which are trading above $90 a barrel..
“Energy sales keep Russia’s war machine running. We want to cut this cashflow,” EU High Representative Kaja Kallas said, suggesting a temporary freeze of the Russian oil price cap and new restrictions on the resale of LNG tankers to Russia.
According to the Statement by President von der Leyen, the Commission proposed restricting the sale of LNG tankers to Russia, just as they already did for oil tankers.
Adoption of the package requires the unanimous agreement of all 27 Member States and is expected to proceed in stages. Separately, a “mini-package” of more than 80 new listings, targeting Russia’s military-industrial complex, human rights violators, and propagandists, is set for formal adoption at the Foreign Affairs Council in Luxembourg on 15 June 2026.
In a related enforcement development, a Swedish court confirmed on 5 June 2026 the seizure of the dry-cargo vessel Caffa — previously detained while sailing under a false Guinea flag and suspected of carrying grain illegally exported from Russian-occupied Ukrainian territory — and approved the transfer of title to Ukraine. The ruling has been described as the first time a foreign court has approved the seizure of a vessel in connection with such illegal exports.
Ou Union will continue observing all developments in relation to the measures and the adoption of the 21st package and how it will affect national and European Laws and Regulations.
Related Articles:
Statement by the President on the 21st sanctions package against Russia
Euronews 9/6 – EU proposes new sanctions on Russian oil, shadow fleet, fisheries and soldiers
gCaptain 9/6 – EU unveils 21st Russia sanctions package targeting shadow fleet, banks, LNG tankers
Council of the EU – Foreign Affairs Council, 15 June 2026
Attachment 1: EU proposes 21st package of sanctions against Russia, targeting banks
European Commission presents 21st sanctions package against Russia - EU NEIGHBOURS east
4. UK Emissions Trading Scheme to Extend to Shipping from 1 July 2026
On Friday, 5 June 2026, the classification society DNV published guidance on the extension of the UK Emissions Trading Scheme (UK ETS) to the maritime sector, which will take effect on 1 July 2026.
According to the aforementioned guidance, the scheme will apply to cargo and passenger vessels of 5,000 gross tonnage and above (with offshore ships deferred until 1 January 2027) and will cover carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide emissions on a “tank-to-wake” basis, broadly aligned with the EU ETS.
Under the scheme, operators will be required to establish an approved Emissions Monitoring Plan, submit an independently verified Annual Emissions Report, and surrender allowances corresponding to their emissions.
The extension brings UK domestic and UK-related international voyages within the scope of carbon pricing, adding a further compliance obligation for operators already managing their exposure under the EU ETS and FuelEU Maritime frameworks.
Related Articles:
DNV 5/6 – The UK ETS expands to maritime from 1 July 2026
Lloyd’s Register – UK ETS to launch on 1 July
Aacks on Shipping near the Strait of Hormuz; IMO Condemns Seafarer Fatalies
On 9 June 2026, the Palau-flagged tanker MT Seebello (IMO 9162916) was aacked near the Strait of Hormuz,
off the coast of Oman, resulng in the deaths of three seafarers. On Thursday, 11 June 2026, the Secretary-
General of the IMO, Mr. Arsenio Dominguez, issued a statement condemning the aack and calling for a full
invesgaon, stang that he “strongly condemn[s] any act from any party that endangers the lives of seafarers
and the safety of marime commerce.” According to the IMO, there have been 46 aacks on internaonal
shipping in and around the Strait of Hormuz, with 14 seafarer fatalies, since 28 February 2026. A second tanker,
the MT Jalveer, was reported disabled on 10 June 2026, with its crew evacuated. Responsibility for the Seebello
incident was disputed.
For most of the week, the Strait of Hormuz itself remained effecvely constrained, with only a small number of
vessels transing each day, largely via a southern route hugging the Omani coast. The situaon escalated early in
the week: in the early hours of Tuesday, 9 June 2026, a U.S. military helicopter went down in waters near Oman’s
coast, with its crew rescued, and the United States carried out further strikes on Iran amid connued exchanges
in the region. The picture shied on Thursday, 11 June 2026, when President Trump announced that he had
cancelled further scheduled strikes and that a selement of the war with Iran could be signed within days, “as
soon as this weekend in Europe.” According to reporng, the prospecve deal would include an extended
ceasefire, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, sancons relief allowing Iran to sell its oil freely, the liing of
the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports, and negoaons on Iran’s nuclear programme. Oil prices fell on the news,
with Brent crude dropping back below $90 per barrel. As of Friday, 12 June 2026, no agreement had been signed
and the Strait had not been formally reopened.
Marime security in the wider region also remained tense. On Monday, 8 June 2026, the Houthi movement in
Yemen declared a renewed ban on what it described as enemy navigaon in the Red Sea, and on 8–9 June 2026
two commercial vessels were struck in the Gulf of Aden, both catching fire with no casuales reported; neither
vessel was Israeli-flagged. On Wednesday, 10 June 2026, a cargo vessel was approached by an armed small cra
approximately 88 naucal miles south-west of Balhaf, Yemen, near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait; the ship’s armed
security team exchanged fire and the cra broke off, with no injuries or damage reported. Separately, the
European Union’s proposal for its Aspides naval mission to take a leading role in future mine-clearance
operaons in the Strait of Hormuz, when condions allow, remained under consideraon; any change to the
mission’s mandate requires the unanimous approval of all 27 EU member states.
Related Arcles:
IMO 11/06 – Statement on the aack on tanker MT Seebello
NPR 11/06 – Trump now says a peace deal will be announced “soon,” cancels further strikes
Reuters 11/06 – Trump says “great” Iran selement to be signed soon and Strait will open
The Naonal 10/06 – Cargo vessel aacked off Yemen near Bab Al Mandeb strait aer Houthi threat
U.S. Marime Administraon (MARAD) – MSCI Advisory 2026-006, Red Sea / Bab el Mandeb / Gulf of Aden
gCaptain – EU weighs expanding Aspides mission to lead Hormuz mine-clearing effort
EU Proposes 21st Sancons Package Against Russia, Targeng the “Shadow Fleet”
On Tuesday, 9 June 2026, the European Commission presented its proposed 21st package of sancons against
Russia. On the marime side, the package proposes lisng around 30 addional “shadow fleet” tankers, which
would bring the total number of vessels denied access to EU ports above 660, and — for the first me — targets
vessels and operators that assist the shadow fleet by providing services such as bunkering and refuelling. The
5. IMO urges nations to put ocean policies into practice
On 8 June 2026, in observance of World Oceans Day, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) called upon its Member States and the global shipping industry to intensify efforts to protect the marine environment. In his video message marking the occasion, IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez reaffirmed the Organization’s commitment to safeguarding the world’s oceans through the effective implementation of international regulatory measures aimed at preventing marine pollution and addressing emerging environmental challenges.
“Beyond setting the rules, we must put policy into practice,” he added, reflecting the IMO World Maritime Day theme for 2026-2027: ‘From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence'.
Related Articles:
IMO 8/6 - IMO urges nations to put ocean policies into practice
6. BIMCO UPDATES:
- BIMCO's Energy Saving Device Retrofitting Addendum: Work well underway
On the 10th June 20926, BIMCO announced that a forthcoming Energy Saving Device Retrofitting Addendum is being developed to provide shipowners and charterers with a practical contractual framework to facilitate the installation of energy-saving technologies on vessels operating under time charter arrangements. The addendum seeks to address a key contractual challenge in the maritime sector, namely the allocation of costs, risks and benefits associated with retrofitting existing ships with energy efficiency technologies. Its central objective is to establish a clear and balanced mechanism for sharing both financial responsibility and performance outcomes, thereby encouraging cooperation between contracting parties in support of decarbonisation efforts.
The document is being finalised under the subcommittee of BIMCO’s Documentary Committee, which is working to ensure that the framework remains legally robust, operationally workable and sufficiently flexible, without introducing unnecessary complexity. Once completed, the addendum is expected to serve as an industry-developed standard tool, designed to support shipowners and charterers in implementing retrofit projects in a transparent and commercially viable manner, while reducing legal uncertainty and facilitating investment in energy efficiency improvements.
Related Articles:
BIMCO 10/6 - BIMCO's Energy Saving Device Retrofitting Addendum: Work well underway
- BIMCO launches project to develop Russia Tanker Resale Restrictions Clause for MoAs
On the 10th June 2026, BIMCO announced that it has initiated work on a new contractual clause aimed at helping the tanker sale and purchase market comply with recently introduced EU sanctions requirements. The project follows the European Union’s 20th sanctions package, adopted in April 2026, which places additional obligations on EU sellers of tankers. Under the new rules, sellers must conduct and document risk assessments, implement mitigation measures, and notify relevant authorities of tanker sales. According to the amended EU Regulations, a key requirement is that sale contracts include provisions preventing the resale of tankers to Russian entities or their use in Russia. These restrictions must also be passed on to future buyers, creating a “flow-through” mechanism that extends compliance obligations throughout the vessel’s ownership chain. The measures are expected to have a significant impact on tanker sale and purchase transactions, increasing the importance of due diligence and contractual risk allocation.
In response to the introduction of the above - mentioned rules and industry concerns, BIMCO will establish a dedicated subcommittee to develop a standard Russia Tanker Resale Restrictions Clause for use in memoranda of agreement (MoAs). The organisation aims to create a commercially balanced and practical solution that reflects regulatory requirements while reducing legal uncertainty and transactional friction. Particular attention will be given to compliance responsibilities, due diligence obligations, and the enforcement of resale restrictions across different jurisdictions.
BIMCO has designated the project as a priority and expects work on the clause to commence shortly.
Related Articles:
BIMCO 10/6 - BIMCO launches project to develop Russia Tanker Resale Restrictions Clause for MoAs
Ship and Bunker 12/06 - BIMCO to Develop Clause to address Russia Tanker Resale Restrictions
Splash247 11/06 - BIMCO drafts standard clause for Russia-linked tanker sale restrictions
- Biofuel clause now available to support transition to low-carbon fuels
On the 11th July 2026, BIMCO published a new Biofuel Clause for Time Charter Parties to provide a standard contractual framework for the use of low-carbon fuels as part of the industry’s decarbonisation transition.
The 2026 biofuel clause is intended to address practical and legal uncertainties that arise when biofuels are used under existing charter arrangements, particularly in relation to fuel specifications, operational performance and allocation of risk between parties. The clause sets out clear definitions and aligns fuel quality requirements with relevant ISO standards, while also establishing agreed procedures for sampling, testing, storage and handling of biofuels. It further provides a structured mechanism to address differences in fuel energy content, including adjustments to speed and consumption warranties where fuels with varying calorific values are used.
Overall, the clause aims to provide greater contractual certainty for shipowners and charterers, ensuring fair allocation of responsibility while supporting the safe and efficient adoption of alternative fuels in commercial operations.
Related Articles:
BIMCO 11/6 -Biofuel clause now available to support transition to low-carbon fuels
Attachment 2: Biofuel Clause for Time Charter Parties 2026
BIMCO releases 2026 biofuel clause for time charter parties
BIMCO Adopts Biofuel Clause To Address Shipping
BIMCO adopts biofuel clause for time charter parties - Container News
- Somali piracy structures are strengthening
According to BIMCO, recent reporting from EU Naval Forces indicates a renewed increase in Somali piracy activity during 2026, with several hijackings involving cargo dhows, fishing vessels and tankers. A number of vessels and their crews are currently being held off the Somali coast pending ransom negotiations, reflecting a return of organised maritime crime in the region.
The pattern of incidents is consistent with previous piracy cycles, including the use of dhows as “motherships” enabling attacks further offshore, with operations now extending up to approximately 250 nautical miles from the Somali coastline. Intelligence assessments suggest that pirate groups have re-established operational capacity and local support networks, allowing them to sustain prolonged detention of vessels and crews. While there are indications of possible links with other armed groups in the region, the extent of any coordination remains unconfirmed. Although naval presence in the region has been affected by wider operational demands, piracy risk remains present across both offshore and coastal waters, with seasonal weather conditions expected to temporarily limit but not eliminate activity. In response, shipowners are advised to continue applying established security guidance, including Best Management Practices for Maritime Security (BMP MS) and relevant industry threat advisories.
BIMCO advises shipowners and charterers to incorporate its suite of piracy clauses into their contracts in order to manage and mitigate the commercial risks associated with piracy incidents. These clauses are designed to allocate responsibility between parties and provide contractual protection in relation to delay, deviation, additional costs, and operational decision-making in affected regions.
- Piracy Clause for Consecutive Voyage Charter Parties and COAs 2013
- Piracy Clause for Single Voyage Charter Parties 2013
- Piracy Clause for Time Charter Parties 2013
Related Articles:
BIMCO 11/6 - Somali piracy structures are strengthening
7. Iran declares the Strait of Hormuz completely closed
On the 11th June 2026, Iran has announced the complete closure of the Strait of Hormuz to all maritime traffic, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing regional crisis and raising serious concerns across the global shipping industry.
According to several media reports, Iran's top joint military command declared that all vessel traffic, including oil tankers and commercial ships, is prohibited from transiting the strategic waterway. Authorities further warned that any vessel attempting to pass through the strait could face military action.
The closure follows an intensification of hostilities between Iran and the United States, with both sides conducting military operations in recent days. The latest developments have further heightened tensions throughout the Gulf region, prompting concerns among shipowners, charterers, insurers, and maritime authorities.
Market reaction has been immediate, with oil prices rising amid fears of supply disruptions. Analysts warn that prolonged restrictions on navigation through the Strait of Hormuz could have far-reaching consequences for global energy markets and maritime trade flows.
The announcement comes just one day before major shipping organizations, including BIMCO, International Chamber of Shipping, INTERCARGO, and INTERTANKO, issued a joint statement condemning attacks on commercial vessels and seafarers operating in and around the Strait of Hormuz. The industry bodies emphasized that seafarers are civilians and should never become victims of geopolitical conflicts.
In the meantime, IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez issued a statement on June 9, urging ship owners to give the highest priority to the safety and lives of seafarers, saying that “they must not be exposed to conditions where the risks are known, significant, and clearly beyond mitigation.” His statement is no doubt prompted by concerns that this is precisely what is happening.
Shipowners and operators are being urged to closely monitor developments, conduct comprehensive voyage risk assessments, and prioritize crew safety when considering operations in the region. Maritime security experts continue to advise heightened vigilance as the situation remains fluid and subject to rapid change.
The international community has repeatedly called for de-escalation and the restoration of safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation and protecting the lives of seafarers operating in the region.
As of 12 June 2026, there are growing indications that the United States and Iran may be nearing a negotiated settlement to the conflict, with reports suggesting that the parties are working towards the signature of a memorandum of understanding as early as Sunday, 14 June 2026. The proposed arrangement is expected to provide for a cessation of hostilities, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and broader regional de-escalation measures. If concluded, such an agreement would represent a significant development for regional stability and international shipping.
Nevertheless, no binding agreement has been formally executed at this stage. While U.S. officials have expressed confidence that a deal is imminent, Iranian authorities have stated that key elements of the proposal remain under review and that a final decision has yet to be taken. Furthermore, several important issues, including sanctions relief, regional security arrangements and related geopolitical considerations, reportedly remain the subject of ongoing negotiations.
Accordingly, although the prospects for de-escalation appear stronger than in recent weeks, it would be premature to conclude that the conflict has definitively ended. Until a formal agreement is signed and implemented, and safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz is effectively restored, shipowners and charterers should continue to regard the region as presenting elevated operational, security and commercial risks.
Related Articles:
Attachment 3: Reuters 12/6 - U.S.-Iran peace memorandum could be signed on Sunday in Geneva, source says
Attachment 4: Reuters 11/6 - Trump says 'great' Iran settlement will trigger opening of Strait of Hormuz
Attachment 5: Reuters 11/6 - Iran says no final decision made on deal that Trump hopes could be signed soon
Safety4Sea 11/06 - Iran declares the Strait of Hormuz completely closed
Aljazeera 11/06 - Iran shuts Hormuz strait: But wasn’t it already closed?
Trump Say US Conducted Mission to Brings Ships Out of Persian Gulf
IMO 09/06 - No safe passage: Strait of Hormuz remains highly volatile
IMO 11/06 - Statement on the attack on tanker MT Settebello
SAFETY4SEA 10/06 - ITF warns transport workers remain at risk as 100-day Iran war escalates
BIMCO 12/06 - Global shipping industry associations condemn recent attacks on seafarers
Attachment 6: TradeWinds 10/06 - Dozens of seafarers killed in Middle East crisis, says Iran
8. EU sanctions Iranians over restricting naval traffic in Hormuz
On 8 June, the Council of the European Union has imposed restrictive measures on the Hormozgan Provincial Command of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy (IRGCN), Mohammad Akbarzadeh, and Hamid Hosseini, in response to actions considered to undermine freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. The designated entity and individuals are subject to asset freezes, a prohibition on the provision of funds or economic resources, and, for the individuals, an EU travel ban.
The measures are part of an expanded EU sanctions framework addressing threats to maritime security and unlawful interference with international shipping, adopted in light of concerns over practices restricting safe and lawful passage through the Strait of Hormuz under international law.
“Ministers were clear today that Iran’s actions are unacceptable,” said Kaja Kallas, the EU’s foreign affairs chief, at a meeting of European defence ministers in Cyprus.
“In response, EU member states in Brussels today approved sanctions against Iranian individuals and entities involved in disrupting the transit through the Strait of Hormuz,” she said, adding that it is the first time the EU has applied its new freedom of navigation sanctions regime.
Related Articles:
EU sanctions Iranians over restricting naval traffic in Hormuz | Reuters
Iran's navy hit with EU sanctions | Euractiv
9. U.S. senators call for reinstatement of port fees on Chinese vessels
U.S. Senators Mark Kelly and Elizabeth Warren have urged the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to reinstate port fees on Chinese vessels, arguing that the measure is essential to rebuilding America’s maritime industry and reducing reliance on foreign shipbuilding. In a letter to USTR Jamieson Greer, dated 7th June 2026, the senators called for the restoration of restrictions on Chinese-linked ships entering U.S. ports and requested greater transparency regarding the impact of the current suspension.
The proposal forms part of broader bipartisan efforts to strengthen the U.S. shipbuilding sector, including support for the SHIPS for America Act, which seeks to expand domestic shipyard capacity and enhance maritime competitiveness. Lawmakers argue that China’s share of global shipbuilding has grown from less than 5% in 2000 to more than 50% today, while U.S. shipyards account for only a fraction of global output.
According to the senators, earlier U.S. measures targeting Chinese maritime dominance contributed to a significant decline in new orders at Chinese shipyards. However, the subsequent suspension of port fees as part of a broader U.S.-China trade de-escalation effort is believed to have reversed some of that momentum, with Chinese shipyards reportedly experiencing a sharp increase in order backlogs.
The senators maintain that reinstating the fees would support American workers, encourage investment in domestic shipbuilding, and strengthen national security. They have also requested an assessment of the economic effects of the suspension and clarification on any concessions obtained from China in exchange for pausing the policy. With the current suspension scheduled to remain in place until November 2026, the debate highlights the growing strategic importance of maritime trade and shipbuilding in U.S.-China relations.
Related Article:
Safety4Sea 10/06 - U.S. senators call for reinstatement of port fees on Chinese vessels
Shipping Telegraph 10/06 - US senators urge Trump admin to reinstate port fees on Chinese ships
gCaptain 08/06 - Senators Urge Trump Administration to Reinstate Port Fees on Chinese Ships
10. EU authorizes Operation IRINI to board shadow fleet ships
On the 8th June 2026, the European Union has expanded the mandate of military Common Security and Defence Policy Operation IRINI, authorizing its naval forces in the Mediterranean to board and inspect vessels suspected of belonging to Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet”. The decision was announced by EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, during an informal meeting of EU defence ministers in Cyprus. The move marks a significant shift from surveillance and monitoring activities toward more active maritime enforcement measures.
Originally established in 2020 to enforce the UN arms embargo on Libya, Operation IRINI’s role has gradually expanded to include maritime security and sanctions-related monitoring in the Mediterranean. Under the revised rules of engagement, EU naval units may conduct boarding operations when there are reasonable grounds to suspect irregular vessel identification, sanctions evasion, or other violations of international maritime regulations.
EU officials argue that many shadow fleet vessels pose environmental, safety, and security risks due to questionable ownership structures, flag registrations, and operational practices. The enhanced enforcement powers are also intended to limit revenues generated from Russian oil exports and strengthen compliance with EU sanctions. Since the expanded mandate took effect, Operation IRINI has already carried out inspections of sanctioned tankers operating in the Mediterranean.
The decision has drawn criticism from Russia, which claims that the inspections violate international maritime law and threaten freedom of navigation. Moscow has stated that it will use legal and diplomatic means to protect the interests of shipowners and operators affected by the new measures. The development highlights the growing role of maritime enforcement in the EU’s broader sanctions strategy and is expected to increase scrutiny of tanker movements throughout the region.
Related Articles:
Safety4Sea 10/06 - EU authorizes Operation IRINI to board shadow fleet ships
Telegraph 10/06 - EU authorizes naval Operation IRINI to board shadow fleet ships
Maritime Executive 09/06 - EU Commences Mediterranean Dark Fleet Stop and Search Operations
11. US TREASURY REPORT
The US Treasury Report for all actions reported is hereby attached.
Related Article:
Attachment 7: US Treasury Report for week 06/06/2026 – 12/06/2026
12. PIRACY REPORT
The Piracy Report for all actions reported is hereby attached.
Related Article:
Attachment 8: Worldwide Threat to Shipping (WTS) Report, for the period between 13/05/2026 – 10/06/2026
Nothing important to report from ECSA, ILO and the House of Representatives.