28th December 2024 – 3rd January 2025
LOCAL NEWS
No news reported.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
1. Turkey hikes shipping pollution fines as rampant inflation grips
On the 24th December 2024, the Turkish Ministry of Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Change revised and published in its Gazette the updated pollution fine rates, resulting to a hike of fines for pollution in its waters by more than 40% from the beginning of 2025 in line with the country’s rampant inflation.
According to the 2025 update:
- Vessels discharging hazardous substances or wastes will incur fines 10 times greater than those set for petroleum products in the revised tariffs.
- Vessels with a history of environmental pollution will face increased penalties: a first violation within a three-year period will result in a doubled fine, while subsequent violations will incur a 200% increase. Conversely, if a vessel successfully manages to eliminate the pollution by her own means, the fine will be reduced by two-thirds.
- Fines will be tripled if the responsible party is an "institution, organization, or business," which includes ship-owning and chartering companies.
- Fines for marine pollution incidents that occur within a Specially Protected Area (SPA), such as the Marmara Sea and other significant ports, will be doubled.
- Authorities require immediate payment of fines for alleged pollution, or suitable security must be provided; failure to comply will result in vessel detention.
- A 25% discount on the fine is available if payment is made within 30 days and before filing an objection.
Related Article:
Westpandi 30/12 - Turkey - Environmental Pollution Fines: Updated for 2025
2. Egypt completes trial run of new Suez Canal channel extension
On the 28th December 2024, Egypt announced that it had successfully tested a new 10 km channel near the southern end of the Suez Canal, even as its revenue from the waterway has plunged since Yemen's Houthi militants began attacking vessels in the Red Sea.
The Suez Canal Authority said in a statement that during a trial run two ships passed through a new stretch of the canal's two-way section without incident.
"This expansion will boost the canal's capacity by an additional 6 to 8 ships daily and enhance its ability to handle potential emergencies," the Suez Canal Authority said in its statement.
Some observers forecast a return of Red Sea shipping services as security improves, but likely not until the second half of 2025.
Related Articles:
Reuters 28/12 - Egypt completes trial run of new Suez Canal channel extension
Freightwaves 27/12 - Suez toll revenue drops 60%; canal tests two-way traffic
Trans Info 02/01 - Suez canal expansion
3. IMO Secretary General sets priorities for shipping in 2025, UN Secretary-General António Guterres calls for countries to drastically slash emissions
In a New Year message for 2025, which has been posted on the 2nd January 2025, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Secretary-General, Mr. Arsenio Dominguez, has highlighted the key items on the IMO agenda for 2025.
In his video message, Mr. Dominguez identified seafarers, security and decarbonisation as his top priorities for 2025.
‘When it comes to seafarers, we need to enhance the safety and security of the key personnel on board ships,’ he said.
‘We also need to focus on increasing the support that we provide to them, not just on decarbonisation, but also when it comes to reducing the criminalisation of seafarers; then diversity.’
Furthermore, the IMO Secretary-General said he is confident an agreement will be reached this year on measures that will allow shipping to decarbonise by or around 2050.
‘This is a big year for IMO, and I remain positive that Member States and stakeholders will find common ground and adopt the technical and economic measures,’ Dominguez said.
MEPC 83, taking place in April this year, is scheduled to approve ‘mid-term’ economic and technical measures, including a potential global levy and fuel standard for shipping. Those measures are then set to be formally adopted by MEPC 84 in October, for an entry into force in 2027.
In his New Year Message, the United Nations Secretary General, Mr. António Guterres, also urged countries to drastically slash emissions and ‘exit this road to ruin’. “In 2025, countries must put the world on a safer path by dramatically slashing emissions, and supporting the transition to a renewable future. It is essential — and it is possible”, Mr. Guterres said.
Related Articles:
IMO/PressBriefings 02/01 - IMO Secretary-General new year message
Bunkerspot 02/01 - IMO chief ‘positive’ ahead of ‘big year’ for the global shipping regulator
Hellenic Shipping News 03/01 - IMO SECRETARY GENERAL NEW YEAR MESSAGE
Safety4sea 03/01 - IMO Secretary General sets priorities for shipping in 2025
Marinelink 02/01 - IMO Secretary-General Welcomes in the New Year
UN Org 30/12 - UN Secretary General New Year Message
4. US TREASURY REPORT
The US Treasury Report for all actions reported is hereby attached.
Related Article:
Attachment 1:US Treasury Report for week 28/12/2024 – 03/01/2025
5. PIRACY REPORT
The Piracy Report for all actions reported is hereby attached.
Related Article:
Attachment 2: Worldwide Threat to Shipping (WTS) Report, for the period between 27/11/2024 – 25/12/2024
Nothing important to report from Local News, the House of Representatives and the ILO.