22nd March 2025 – 28th March 2025
LOCAL NEWS
1. Deputy Minister Marina Hadjimanolis Welcomes the Shipping Community in Glyfada
On Thursday, 27 March 2025, the Shipping Deputy Minister of Cyprus, Mrs. Marina Hadjimanolis, hosted a high-level event at the Glyfada Golf Club, welcoming prominent figures from the Greek and Cypriot shipping industries. The event provided an opportunity to showcase the Ministry’s key accomplishments during the first two years of Mrs. Hadjimanolis’s tenure. Among the distinguished attendees were leading figures from the maritime sector, including Mr. Thanasis Martinos, Captain Panagiotis Tsakos, Mr. Andreas Hadjiyiannis, Mr. Polys Hajioannou, Mr. Petros Pappas, Mr. Dimitris Melissanidis, Mr. Giannis Koustas, Mrs. Katerina Mylonas, Mr. Elias Angelakos, Mr. Filippos Efstathiou, Mr. Stefanos Angelakos, Mr. Evangelos Angelakos, Mr. Aristides Pittas, Mrs. Anna Angelicoussis, Mr. Yiannis Xylas, Mr. George Tsavliris, Mr. Andreas Tsavliris, Mr. Vassilis Theocharakis, Mr. Orestis Giokas, and Mr. Haris Vafeias. The event was also attended by many representatives of the new generation of shipowners.
In her keynote address, Mrs. Hadjimanolis reflected on her time in office, emphasizing that both the Shipping Deputy Ministry and the Government of Cyprus remain steadfast in their support of shipowners and their efforts to ensure the sustainable growth of the global maritime industry. She highlighted the effectiveness of targeted policies and initiatives, noting that the initial goal after Russian fleet removal in 2022, was halting the decline of the Cyprus fleet and stabilizing the registry which had been successfully achieved. From September 2023 to January 2025, the Cypriot fleet grew by 18%, marking a significant turnaround. She also reaffirmed the international standing of the Cyprus registry as a reliable, high quality and reputable flag.
Mrs. Hadjimanolis underlined the value of structured engagement with the Greek shipping community and stressed the importance of ongoing, sincere, and productive cooperation, calling it a key driver in the continued success of both the Cypriot registry and the broader maritime sector.
As part of these efforts, she announced the establishment of two new advisory bodies:
- The Advisory Committee on the Competitiveness and Quality of the Cyprus Flag;
- The Advisory Committee for the Enhancement of the Competitiveness of the Cyprus Maritime Cluster.
Turning to the topic of maritime education, the Shipping Deputy Minister highlighted the Ministry’s initiatives aimed at promoting seafaring as a career path, fostering maritime culture among youth and advancing gender inclusivity in the industry. She emphasized the importance of creating more opportunities for women in shipping, acknowledging their proven ability to excel in the sector.
She also reiterated the Ministry’s strong support for seafarers and their families, noting the importance of offering tangible, not just theoretical assistance. In this context, she announced the organization of a charity gala on 13 June in support of ARGO, the Association of Seafarers’ Parents of Children with Special Needs, which is based in Piraeus.
Finally, Mrs. Hadjimanolis announced the official launch of the 2nd Gender Equality in Shipping Award 2025, following its formal establishment by the Council of Ministers.
Mrs. Hadjimanolis concluded her address with optimism, expressing confidence in the collective ability of the shipping community to further strengthen the resilience and global significance of the maritime sector, an industry of vital economic and strategic importance to both Cyprus and Greece.
Related Articles:
Photo Gallery Attached
Mononews 28/03 - Η Μαρίνα Χατζημανώλη υποδέχθηκε τον εφοπλιστικό κόσμο στην Γλυφάδα
SDM 28/03 - Αποτελέσματα της επίσκεψης της Υφυπουργού Ναυτιλίας κας Μαρίνας Χατζημανώλη στην Αθήνα
2. Strengthening cooperation between the Union of Greek Shipowners and the Cyprus Union of Shipowners
On Thursday, 27 March 2025, a meeting was held at the headquarters of the Union of Greek Shipowners (UGS) in Piraeus, between the presidencies of the Union of Greek Shipowners and the Cyprus Union of Shipowners (CUS).
The UGS was represented by its President, Ms. Melina Travlos, accompanied by Board Members Mr. Giannis Xylas, Mr. George Giouroukos, Mr. Konstantinos Karousis, Mr Nikolas Veniamis and Ms. Ioanna Prokopiou. Representing the CUS were its President, Mr. Andreas Hadjiyiannis, and Vice President, Mr. Polys Hajioannou.
Also in attendance were the Directors General of both organizations, Ms. Katerina Peppa for UGS and Mr. Michael Filippou for CUS.
The long discussion covered a wide range of critical issues currently affecting the maritime industry. These included matters impacting Greek and Cypriot shipowning, environmental challenges, international sanctions and the geopolitical uncertainty following the recent announcements of US President Donald Trump and its potential implications for global shipping.
Special attention was also given to the latest developments surrounding Rightship, with particular concern over the unilateral implementation of procedures without prior consultation with major Shipowners Unions and adequate transparency. The participants emphasized the need to closely monitor and take counter measures to address such practices to protect the interests of shipowners.
A strong alignment of views was evident throughout the meeting, with both sides acknowledging the importance of continuing close collaboration. It was mutually agreed that frequent meetings should be held between the two organizations to enhance information exchange, strengthen cooperation and ensure strategic alignment both, at the European Union level and within international forums such as IMO. This coordination is expected to contribute to improved engagement with the respective national authorities and to facilitate more effective collaboration between the Greek and Cypriot governments on maritime matters.
Ms. Travlos warmly welcomed the CUS delegation and provided a comprehensive overview of UGS’s current priorities and initiatives. The CUS delegation also welcomed the acceptance of Ms. Travlos to participate as a keynote speaker at the upcoming Maritime Cyprus Conference, scheduled to take place in October 2025 in Limassol, underlining the continued commitment for close bilateral cooperation.
The CUS delegation also requested the support of the UGS in encouraging its members, particularly those operating vessels under foreign flags, to actively consider registering some of their future acquisitions under the Cyprus flag. Such a move would contribute to further strengthening the Cypriot registry and enhancing its visibility and influence within the global maritime community.
3. Cyprus Shipping Gender Equality Award 2025
On 26 March 2025, the Shipping Deputy Ministry announced the submission of nominations for the 2nd “Cyprus Shipping Gender Equality Award”, following a relevant decision of the Council of Ministers. The award will be presented by the Shipping Deputy Minister on behalf of the President of the Republic of Cyprus at a specially dedicated ceremony to be organised annually by the Shipping Deputy Ministry on the occasion of the International Day for Women in Maritime, which has been designated by the International Maritime Organisation to be celebrated on 18th of May.
For the selection of the person to be awarded the “Cyprus Shipping Gender Equality Award”, a Selection Committee has been set up by the Shipping Deputy Minister to the President.
Nominations for the Award must be submitted to the Selection Committee, via the Permanent Secretary of the Shipping Deputy Ministry, using the prescribed form, between 26 March 2025 and 30 April 2025 (latest at 15.00 hours).
Please tab the link below for more details on the criteria and regulations.
Relevant Article:
SDM 26/03 - Cyprus Shipping Gender Equality Award 2025
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
4. 2025 IMO Honours for Exceptional Bravery at Sea - Call for nominations
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is inviting nominations for the 2025 IMO Awards for Exceptional Bravery at Sea, which recognize individuals or groups who have demonstrated outstanding courage in saving lives, preventing pollution or minimizing damage in maritime incidents during the period 1 March 2024 to 28 February 2025.
The nomination form can be submitted by any IMO Member State, intergovernmental organization in cooperation with IMO and non-governmental organization in consultative status with IMO.
The deadline for submissions is set for the 15th of April 2025.
Please tab the link below for the application form:
Related Articles:
IMO 26/03 - IMO Honours for Exceptional Bravery at sea
5. New agreement sees the reinstatement of Black Sea security
On 25 March 2025, the United States brokered separate agreements with Ukraine and Russia to pause attacks at sea and on energy infrastructure.
The Black Sea maritime security deal seeks to prevent attacks on Ukrainian ports, which remain crucial for global food exports despite ongoing Russian airstrikes. As part of the deal with Russia, Washington agreed to push for lifting some sanctions on Russian agriculture and fertilizer exports, a long-standing demand from Moscow.
Key outcomes
- The United States and Russia have agreed to ensure safe navigation, eliminate the use of force, and prevent the use of commercial vessels for military purposes in the Black Sea.
- The United States will help restore Russia’s access to the world market for agricultural and fertilizer exports, lower maritime insurance costs, and enhance access to ports and payment systems for such transactions.
- The United States and Russia agreed to develop measures for implementing President Trump’s and President Putin’s agreement to ban strikes against energy facilities of Russia and Ukraine.
- The United States and Russia welcome the good offices of third countries with a view toward supporting the implementation of the energy and maritime agreements.
- The United States and Russia will continue working toward achieving a durable and lasting peace.
The United States reiterated President Donald J. Trump’s imperative that the killing on both sides of the Russia-Ukraine conflict must stop, as the necessary step toward achieving an enduring peace settlement.
Related Articles:
Reuters 27/03 - Russia says proposed Black Sea Initiative is a new deal
Safety4Sea 26/03 - New agreement sees the reinstatement of Black Sea security
6. Commission launches helpdesk to support EU SMEs comply with sanctions
On the 25th March 2025, The European Commission has launched a new one-stop-shop providing vital support to European small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) navigating the complex landscape of sanctions compliance.
The EU Sanctions Helpdesk will provide a comprehensive range of services designed to help SMEs comply with EU sanctions worldwide, reducing the risk of non-compliance, and associated costs.
The Helpdesk will offer personalised support to EU SMEs performing sanctions due diligence checks, at no cost to the companies, and will manage a dedicated website featuring sanctions-related information, country-specific guidance, events, tips, lessons learned, and more.
All UN and EU restrictive measures are to be covered by the Helpdesk, providing SMEs with the necessary information to manage the challenges of sanctions compliance with certainty, thus assisting European operators in avoiding the loss of legitimate business opportunities due to uncertainties about their legality.
While there are instances where larger entities can benefit from support, the Helpdesk´s focus is on SMEs as they typically have fewer compliance resources than large companies.
The Helpdesk will work with partners including public authorities, business support stakeholders, financial institutions, and international sanctions and compliance organisations. Through these partnerships the Helpdesk will participate in joint outreach and awareness-raising activities, host and attend events, and deliver training sessions.
Please see below the link to the aforementioned helpdesk:
EU Sanctions Helpdesk - European Union
The Services provided to SMEs is explained in the link below:
0481c241-25fd-4e73-9ee4-0d2f98990276_en
Related Articles:
EC 25/03 - Commission launches helpdesk to support EU SMEs comply with sanctions
InLegalHouse 27/03 - European Commission Launching Sanctions Helpdesk for SMEs - InhouseLegal
7. EU appears to back down on carbon levy on international shipping
With a few days left before the finalization of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) talks on the mid term measures on the reduction of GHG emissions, on Thursday, 27th March 2025, the EU held an emergency meeting on the issue of carbon levy on international shipping, where it was evident that EU will formally state its preference for a simple levy.
According to the Guardian, the long-awaited carbon levy on international shipping that was to supply vital climate finance looks set to be significantly diluted, after the EU appeared to be backing down in global talks.
The Guardian has learned that the EU is set to accept a compromise that would allow companies to enter into a system of trading carbon credits instead of paying directly for their emissions.
A proposal for such a levy, which has the support of scores of developing countries, the EU and the UK, is under discussion at IMO in London, in talks that that will be concluded by the 11th April 2025.
However, the levy faces fierce opposition from China, Brazil, Saudi Arabia and about a dozen other countries that have strong interests in exports or fossil fuels, and argue that it would raise prices for consumers. Some members have argued that a majority vote could push through the levy, but China has made it clear it would not accept such an outcome and has threatened to effectively withdraw from the IMO if the issue was forced.
Arsenio Dominguez, the secretary general of the IMO, does not want to enforce a majority vote if it can be avoided. “We work on consensus, that’s always the focus of the IMO,” he told the Guardian. “During adoption of the rules, member states can express their concerns, they can express their support to one proposal or another. My objective is always to work with the member states to get an agreement, a consensus approach, and if there are any concerns raised during that consensus approach, to continue to work on that, to address it. But to keep the house together.”
While it seems that the EU will concede key ground by falling back on a compromise proposal involving carbon trading, tabled by Singapore, according to many experts, another compromise proposal that has been tabled by the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and has the backing of a large proportion of the industry, would be preferable to the Singapore plan. Ships would pay a charge for their carbon output, but it would be more flexible than a levy, would represent a single flat fee and, because it would fall under technical regulations on fuel standards, would not face problems with adoption by countries such as the US that require legislative approval for taxes.
Proponents of the ICS plan, including some developing countries, argue it should be acceptable to China, Brazil and their allies, because it uses a standard for fuels that they have already agreed to and starts at a low cost that can be scaled up later.
Related Articles:
The Guardian 27/03 - EU appears to back down on carbon levy on international shipping
8. Panama Canal to launch transit slot for low emissions vessels only
On the 25th March 2025, the Panama Canal Authority announced the launch of the NetZero Slot, a transit slot reserved only for vessels with low carbon emissions, as a strategy to incentivize customers on their path to decarbonization.
Beginning on 5 October 2025, the Panama Canal will implement the first phase of a weekly NetZero Slot for Neopanamax vessels that meet specific low-carbon emission requirements. Unlike previous announcements, this slot will not be offered through an auction but through a competition in Period 1A, held 30 days before the transit date.
The first phase will accommodate vessels equipped with dual-fuel engines that use fuel with a carbon intensity of less than 75 gCO2(e)/MJ, from extraction to combustion (Well-to-Wake, or WtW). Specifications for a second phase, planned for 2026, will be announced via the publication of an Advisory to Shipping.
The vessel entitled to the NetZero Slot will have the following benefits:
- Choosing the transit date within the week offered.
- Guaranteed transit time of 24 hours.
- Just-in-time (JIT) service included.
Related Articles:
The Maritime Executive 26/03 - Panama Canal Dedicates Transit Slots to Low-Emission Vessels
Offshore Energy 26/03 - Panama to incentivize low-emission shipping via new initiative
Safety4Sea 26/03 - Panama Canal to launch transit slot for low emissions vessels only
9. IMO elects Lydia Markari as Vice President of the Legal Committee
The 112th Session of the IMO Legal Committee took place on the 24th – 28th March 2025 in Londn.
In his address at the opening of the Session on 24 March 2025, the IMO Secretary-General, Mr. Arsenio Dominguez, welcomed the distinguished delegates and highlighted the critical issue that the Committee would focus on during the session: the detention of seafarers suspected of committing crimes.
The Secretary-General noted that the Committee was set to adopt the Guidelines on the fair treatment of seafarers detained in connection with alleged crimes, which had been refined and adopted by the Joint IMO-ILO Tripartite Working Group in November the previous year.
Regarding fraudulent ship registration and registries, Mr. Dominguez stressed that maintaining high-quality shipping standards is of the utmost importance to ensure the compliance with the IMO's regulatory framework and its enforcement and the Committee will be discussing a new proposed output to develop guidelines or best practices for ship registration. The Secretary General expressed his belief that this is a timely opportunity to enhance performance and transparency related to the global compliance with IMO instruments.
During the 112th Session of the IMO Legal Committee, the Legal Affairs Director of the Cyprus Shipping Deputy Ministry, Lydia Markari-Kyriacou, has been unanimously elected to the post of Vice Chair of the International Maritime Organisation by IMO member states. It is he first time a Cypriot has been elected to the position
Related Articles:
IMO Legal Committee (LEG 112) - Opening remarks
Safety4Sea 24/03 - IMO Sec-Gen presents key agenda items of the Legal Committee
Cyprus Mail 26/03 - Cypriot elected as IMO vice-chair for the first time
10. US TREASURY REPORT
The US Treasury Report for all actions reported is hereby attached.
Related Article:
Attachment 1:US Treasury Report for week 22/03/2025 – 28/03/2025
11. 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 26/02/2025 – 26/03/2025
Nothing important to report from the ILO and the House of Representatives.
