6th April 2024 – 12th April 2024
LOCAL NEWS
1. Cyprus-Greece Ferry Connection to Start on the 29th May 2024
The Cyprus-Greece maritime passenger connection will run for a third consecutive year, subsidized by Nicosia following the European Commission approval. The Cypriot-flagged Daleela, which can transport 400 passengers and 200 vehicles, will operate the first route for 2024 from the port of Limassol on 29 May and complete services on 3 September. As confirmed by the operating company, Scandro Holding Ltd, this year’s itinerary does not include a stopover at Larnaca port. According to the Deputy Shipping Minister of Cyprus, Marina Hadjimanolis, demand is expected to be high. Ms. Hadjimanolis also pledged the ministry’s support to maintaining the ferry connection.
Related Articles:
GTP 8/4 - Cyprus Greece ferry link to start on May 29<https://news.gtp.gr/2024/
Ekathimerini 9/4 - Ferries to Cyprus start next month<https://www.
To Vima 9/4 - Ferry Services Between Cyprus and Greece Kick Off on May 29<https://www.tovima.com/
Greek City Times 11/4 - Cyprus-Greece ferry service to resume<https://greekcitytimes.
Greek Reporter 9/4 - Cyprus-Greece ferry restart service<https://greekreporter.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
1. The 13th update of the European list of ship recycling facilities
On the 8th April 2024, the European Commission published a draft version of the 13th edition of the European List of Ship Recycling Facilities. This draft act is open for feedback for 4 weeks, namely until the 6th May 2024 (midnight Brussels time).
According to the Commission, feedback will be taken into account for finalising this initiative. The targeted adoption date for the Commission decision for the 13th edition of the EU list is June-July 2024.
According to ECSA, the main developments are that:
- The authorisation of two ship recycling facilities in the Netherlands and Denmark has expired and both facilities should therefore be removed from the list.
- A facility located in Bulgaria is ceasing its activity and should therefore be removed from the list.
- A Danish facility has changed its name, a Dutch facility has changed its method of recycling, and a Turkish facility has asked to add information on their contact details, which should be reflected in the new update of the European list.
- The European Commission has received two applicants from Turkish facilities that comply with the requirements to a European ship recycling facility, which should therefore be added to the 13th edition of the European List.
- Another Turkish facility has demonstrated compliance with the requirements of the Regulation, therefore the previous limitation of the facility must therefore be removed from the list.
Related Articles:
Attachment 1:European List of Ship Recycling Facilities -13th Edition
Europa/ CommissionShip recycling-European list of ship recycling facilities-13th edition<https://ec.europa.eu/
Attachment 2:Draft act - 13th edition of the European list of ship recycling facilities
2. European Parliament approves agreement with EU Council on ‘maritime safety’ package
On Wednesday, 10th April 2024, the European Parliament validated, at its plenary session, the provisional agreements reached with the EU Council in February on the maritime safety package. The collective package of four laws, which has been informally agreed with the Council in February, aims to modernise and reinforce the EU’s maritime rules on safety and pollution prevention.
The package includes:
* Clear requirements for flag State inspections, based on international rules, as well as specific EMSA trainings for national administrations to enhance the controls that Member State authorities have over their fleets, aiming to improve maritime safety and reduce the risks of environmental pollution. The package facilitates information-sharing between flag States on the results of inspections they carry out and compliance issues in general. EMSA will support this cooperation through a revised professional development and training programme for flag State inspectors.
* Port State control will be extended to cover additional international rules, such as new Conventions on ballast water and sediments and removal of wrecks. The way ships are targeted for inspection is also updated to reflect new requirements and will attach more importance to the environmental related performance and deficiencies of ships, in determining their risk profile. Other changes will further improve Member States' capacity to detect and correct lack of compliance with safety or with environmental and pollution prevention rules and standards.
Our Union will examine in close cooperation with the Cyprus Authorities and ECSA how the new Laws will affect Shipowners’ obligation and national laws and procedures.
Related Articles:
Agenceurope 11/04 - European Parliament approves agreement on ‘maritime safety’ package<https://agenceurope.
European Parliament 10/04 - MEPs endorse new rules to boost maritime safety<https://www.europarl.
3. US TREASURY REPORT
The US Treasury Report for all actions reported is hereby attached.
Related Article:
Attachment 3: US Treasury Report for week 06/04/2024 - 12/04/2024
4. PIRACY REPORT
The Piracy Report for all actions reported is hereby attached.
Related Article:
Attachment 4: Worldwide Threat to Shipping (WTS) Report, for the period between 13 March – 10 April 2024
Nothing important to report from IMO, ILO and Parliament of Representatives.