11th January 2025 – 17th January 2025
LOCAL NEWS
1. Cyprus Flag promotion at Advisory Committee on Competitiveness meeting
The first ordinary meeting of the Advisory Committee on Competitiveness and Quality Enhancement of the Cyprus Flag was held on Monday, 13 January 2025, in Athens. This significant meeting was chaired by Cyprus Shipping Deputy Minister Mrs. Marina Hadjimanoli and attended by the Director General of the Shipping Deputy Ministry, Dr. Stelios Himonas, both serving as permanent members of the Committee, alongside elected members. Among the distinguished elected members, who are prominent figures in the shipping industry and members of our Union, are Mr. George Procopiou, Mr. Thanassis Martinos, Mr. Heinrich Schoeller, Mr. Andreas Hadjiyiannis, Mr. Polys V. Hajioannou, Dr. John Coustas and Mrs. Nicole Mylona.
The Advisory Committee, recently established by the Council of Ministers, serves as a strategic body to address critical issues affecting the Cyprus Registry. Its primary objective is to enhance the competitiveness of the Cyprus Flag, focusing on long-term goals aligned with national economic interests and global maritime challenges. During the meeting, discussions focused on measures to attract more vessels to the Cyprus Registry and strategies to address the evolving challenges of the global shipping sector. Key topics included the adoption of technological innovations, the impact of environmental regulations, and approaches to strengthen the registry's position in a highly competitive global market.
The Shipping Deputy Ministry expressed her gratitude to all participants for their valuable contributions, emphasizing the collective expertise of the committee. In a statement, the Ministry noted, “The insights shared by members are instrumental in shaping Cyprus’ maritime policies, which aim to enhance the Flag’s position as a reliable and competitive choice for global shipping operators”. The meeting was followed by a lunch.
In conjunction with the Committee meeting, Mrs. Hadjimanoli engaged in several high-level activities aimed at promoting the Cyprus Flag and strengthening maritime ties with Greece, including a seminar organized by the Greek Association of Passenger Shipping Companies, themed “Modern Coastal Transport – Sustainable Development of the Islands”, the graduation ceremony of students from the Mediterranean Maritime Academy and concluded her visit by participating in a commemorative event honoring the late Charalambos Mylonas.
Mrs. Hadjimanolis visit underscored Cyprus’s dedication to fostering robust maritime relations with Greece while advancing shared goals of sustainable shipping and improved connectivity. Her engagements in Athens reflected Cyprus’s commitment to positioning its Flag as a competitive and sustainable choice on the global maritime stage.
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2. Tribute to Charalambos Mylonas: A Pillar of Cypriot Shipping
On Tuesday, 14 January 2025, a commemorative event took place at the Embassy of Cyprus in Athens, to honor the memory of Charalambos Mylonas, the late founder of Transmed Shipping Ltd and Transmed Shipping Co. Ltd and a prominent figure in Cyprus maritime history. The event, entitled "His Life, Journey and Work" featured a photography exhibition showcasing Mylonas’ monumental contributions to the shipping industry. This tribute celebrated the legacy of the visionary Cypriot shipowner, who passed away in September 2024.
Charalambos Mylonas was a pivotal force in the development of the Cyprus Shipping Registry and is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in Cypriot shipping. The establishment of the Cyprus Union of Shipowners in 1981 and his tenure as its president for more than two decades were defining moments in the growth of the Cyprus maritime sector. Among his many accomplishments, Charalambos Mylonas was instrumental in creating the first Collective Agreement for Seafarers on Cypriot ships, significantly enhancing the island’s stature as a leading maritime hub.
The event was attended by C. Mylonas’ family, including his wife, Mrs. Harikleia Mylonas and their children and shipowners, Nicole Mylonas, Katerina Mylonas and Elias Angelakos. Prominent figures also gathered to pay their respects, including the Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy of the Hellenic Republic, Mr. Christos Stylianides, the Shipping Deputy Minister of Cyprus, Mrs. Marina Hadjimanolis, His Eminence Metropolitan Nikolaos of Mesogaia and Lavreotiki, the Commandant of the Hellenic Coast Guard and esteemed shipowners from Greece and Cyprus, such as Mr. Thanasis Martinos, the CUS President Mr. Andreas Hadjiyiannis, Mr. Polys V. Hajioannou, Vice President of CUS, Mr. Charalambos Fafalios (President of the Greek Shipping Co-operation Committee in London) and the Tsavliris brothers.
The ceremony featured heartfelt tributes from numerous notable personalities. Mrs. Harikleia Mylonas, delivered a moving address, praising her husband’s unwavering dedication and integrity, both in his professional endeavors and personal life.
In a recorded message, the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr. Nikos Christodoulides, highlighted Charalambos Mylonas’ enduring legacy as a visionary who elevated Cyprus’ status in the global maritime industry. Reflecting on his deep devotion to his homeland, the President recounted his actions during Cyprus’ struggle for independence as a member of EOKA and his subsequent contributions to the nation’s shipping industry. Mrs. Hadjimanoli, spoke about Charalambos Mylonas’ authenticity and profound humanity, emphasizing his relentless efforts to establish Cyprus as a prominent maritime center. She also commended his philanthropic endeavors, which reflected his commitment to improving the well-being of others. Cyprus’ Ambassador to Greece, Mr. Stavros Avgoustides, praised C. Mylonas’ exceptional leadership and vision, which not only shaped the Cypriot shipping industry but also advanced humanitarian and charitable causes. His contributions to the maritime sector and his philanthropic initiatives left an indelible mark on the Greek and Cypriot communities.
The event concluded with the inauguration of a photography exhibition dedicated to Charalambos Mylonas remarkable journey and achievements. Surrounded by his family and esteemed maritime figures, the evening served as a poignant reminder of his contributions to both Cyprus and the global maritime community.
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INTERNATIONAL NEWS
3. UN Council adopts resolution addressing Red Sea security
On 15 January 2025, the United Nations Security Council passed a resolution, mainly co-authored by Greece and the United States, focused on enhancing maritime security in the Red Sea. The resolution stresses the need to protect the Red Sea’s role in global supply chains and calls for an immediate halt to Houthi aggression. Adopting resolution 2768 (2025) by a vote of 12 in favour to none against, with 3 abstentions (Algeria, China, Russian Federation), the Council extended, until 15 July 2025, its request that the Secretary-General provide it with written monthly reports on Houthi attacks on merchant and commercial vessels in the Red Sea. It also reiterated its demand that the Houthis immediately cease such attacks and release the Galaxy Leader and its crew.
It references previous Security Council resolutions, particularly Resolution 2216 (2015) related to Yemen’s ongoing conflict and emphasizes the need for increased efforts to mitigate maritime threats. The resolution condemns the Houthi attacks, which have disrupted oil exports, worsened Yemen’s economic conditions, and intensified civilian suffering. It also demands the immediate release of the detained vessel Galaxy Leader and its crew, which were unlawfully held under international law.
Overall, the resolution highlights the need for a political settlement to bring peace to Yemen and calls for support for diplomatic solutions under UN guidance. By passing the resolution, the UN Security Council reiterates its commitment to tackling regional instability and securing one of the world’s most vital maritime corridors.
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4. USA issues new sanctions package against Russia
The Biden Administration escalated its sanctions against Russia, imposing a global ban on nearly 100 entities, primarily in the energy, military, and financial sectors. This latest move, led by the US Treasury Department, extends secondary sanctions globally, prohibiting business with these entities by any individual or company worldwide.
Key Highlights:
- Energy Sector Focus: Sanctions target major Russian crude oil and LNG operators to curtail revenue fueling Russia’s war in Ukraine.
- Blocked Assets: Over 150 individuals and entities were designated, along with 183 vessels classified as blocked property.
- Global Reach: Secondary sanctions broaden restrictions beyond US entities, marking a strategic shift that began in late 2024.
- Shipping Industry Impact: Many sanctioned entities have ties to shipping, signaling a significant effect on international trade and logistics.
- This action represents a significant escalation in the US's efforts to pressure Russia economically as President Biden concludes his term, with President-elect Donald Trump advocating a negotiated resolution to the Ukraine conflict.
Related Article:
Attachment 1:US upgrades sanctions against Russia with global ban on business with 100 entities
5. US TREASURY REPORT
The US Treasury Report for all actions reported is hereby attached.
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Attachment 2:US Treasury Report for week 11/01/2025 – 17/01/2025
6. PIRACY REPORT
The Piracy Report for all actions reported is hereby attached.
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Attachment 3: Worldwide Threat to Shipping (WTS) Report, for the period between 18/12/2024 – 15/01/2025
Nothing important to report from the House of Representatives and the ILO.