10th May 2025 – 16th May 2025
LOCAL NEWS
1. Cyprus backs stronger EU shipping sector at Szczecin Council
The Cyprus Deputy Shipping Minister Ms. Marina Hadjimanolis took part in the Informal Council of EU Ministers responsible for shipping, which was held on Thursday, 15th May 2025, in Szczecin, Poland, under the Polish Presidency.
The event, organised by the Maritime Congress Foundation, has become a key fixture in the European maritime calendar.
According to an announcement released on Friday, 16th May 2025, Ms. Hadjimanolis emphasized to her counterparts the need to safeguard and enhance the global competitiveness of the European shipping sector, mentioning specific actions and activities to attract appropriately trained human resources to the European shipping sector, which, according to the Minister, is an issue of utmost importance.
The meeting concluded with the adoption of the Szczecin Declaration, aimed at reinforcing the EU’s shipping, shipbuilding and maritime manufacturing capacity under the bloc’s Industrial Maritime Strategy.
On the sidelines of the Council, Ms. Hadjimanolis met bilaterally with Greek Deputy Minister of Shipping and Island Policy Mr. Stefanos Ghikas, Norway’s Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Policy Ms. Marianne Sivertsen Naess, and Iceland’s Minister of Transport Mr. Eyjolfur Armannsson.
Discussions in the above- mentioned meetings centred on shared concerns in European and international shipping, and on preparations ahead of the upcoming Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU.
The parties also agreed to deepen maritime transport cooperation between their respective countries.
As part of her visit to Poland, the Deputy Minister was also invited as keynote speaker at the 11th International Maritime Congress in Szczecin, which was attended by Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
In her address, she emphasised the need for the sustainable development of global shipping and urged all stakeholders to work together towards that goal.
While in Szczecin, Ms. Hadjimanolis also held a series of meetings with shipowners of local maritime firms, with the discussions focusing on the possibility of registering their fleets under the Cyprus flag. According to the Minister, the companies showed clear interest in strengthening their ties with Cyprus’ shipping.
Related Articles:
Cyprus Mail 16/05 - Cyprus backs stronger EU shipping sector at Szczecin Council
CBN 16/05 - Shipping Deputy Minister holds successful meetings in Poland
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
2. EU approves 17th round of Russia sanctions, prepares new sanctions to increase pressure on Russia, including lowering the oil price cap
On Wednesday, 14th May 2025, the EU agreed a new package of sanctions on Russia, including blacklisting some 200 oil tankers used to circumvent curbs on Russian oil exports and targeting individuals over cyberattacks, human rights abuses and sabotage in Europe.
Diplomats representing the EU's 27 member states approved the package at a meeting in Brussels, according to the Polish presidency of the bloc.
As per Reuters’ s sources, two countries still need to consult their own parliaments on the details but the package is expected to be adopted next week by the bloc's foreign ministers.
The package, set to be formally adopted on Tuesday 20th May 2025, includes blacklisting companies in countries including Vietnam, Serbia and Turkey accused of helping supply goods to the Russian military are also set to face restrictions.
The countries have also agreed to expand the legal base for their sanctions framework on Russian hybrid threats. One of the new measures will allow the EU to sanction fleets that destroy subsea cables and other physical assets.
Furthermore, the countries have agreed on an export ban on chemicals used in missile production, the diplomatic sources said.
Officials admit that the latest round of sanctions against Moscow are relatively limited compared to previous packages as the EU finds it more difficult to agree on targets.
Further to these measures, EU leaders have threatened Russia with "massive sanctions" if it doesn't agree to a 30-day ceasefire proposal backed by the United States.
Speaking to news channel BFM TV. after the EU adopted a 17th sanctions package, France’s Foreign Minister, Jean-Noel Barrot said that the impact of sanctions had been insufficient so far, and the bloc needed to work with the United States, where Congress has prepared crippling measures should U.S. President Donald Trump decide to pressure Moscow.
"We are adopting today a 17th sanctions (package)," Mr. Barrot stated."We will need to go further because the sanctions so far have not dissuaded Vladimir Putin from continuing his war of aggression.
Following the above developments, on Friday, 16th May 2025, as leaders from across Europe met in Tirana for the European Political Community summit, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that the European Union is working on a new package of sanctions to increase pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin over the war in Ukraine.
"This package will include for instance sanctions on Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2. It will include working on listing more vessels of the Russian shadow fleet and also lowering the oil price cap, and also more sanctions on the financial sector in Russia.", Ms. Von der Leyen stated.
Punitive tariffs on Russian imports are also under discussion, with Brussels drawing up plans to use trade tariffs and capital controls to maintain financial pressure on Russia, even if Hungary decides to use its veto to block an extension of the European Union’s sanctions regime, which lapses in July of this year.
The European Commission has told ministers that a large part of the EU’s sanctions, which included freezing 200 billion euros ($224bn) of Russian assets, could be adapted to a new legal framework to bypass Budapest’s veto, according to the United Kingdom’s Financial Times newspaper.
Related Articles:
Reuters 14/05 - Time to suffocate Russia's economy after 17th EU sanctions package, France says
European Commission 16/05 - Speech by the President: opening plenary session EPC
France24 14/05 - EU unveils Russia sanctions targeting 'shadow' oil fleet and cyberattackers
Safet4Sea 14/05 - EU agrees on new sanctions package against Russia
Reuters 17/05 - EU readying new sanctions to increase pressure on Russia, von der Leyen says
Politico 16/05 - European leaders want to turn screws on Putin after delayed Turkey talks
Al Jazeera 15/05 - Could EU tariffs against Russia bring a ceasefire for Ukraine?
Euractiv 14/05 - EU approves 17th sanctions package on Russia
Euronews 16/05 - Von der Leyen pitches new EU sanctions on Russia's energy and financial sectors
3. Germany approves its first ship recycling facility
Germany has officially approved its first facility for dismantling and recycling large ships, operated by EWD Benli Recycling GmbH in Emden, East Frisia.
The company, led by managing directors Björn Sommer and Dr. Sebastian Jeanvré, received final approval from the Oldenburg Trade Supervisory Office in early May, marking a significant milestone for the German maritime sector. The core focus will be on dismantling ocean-going vessels, inland ships, coasters, ferries, and passenger ships, essentially any vessel that can pass through Emden’s sea lock.
The approval follows a year-long certification process, during which the company received strong support from local and regional authorities. With the green light in hand, EWD Benli Recycling is now actively pursuing new projects that had to be previously declined during the approval phase.
This venture is also a collaboration with ReLog GmbH, a leader in industrial plant dismantling, co-managed by Dr. Jeanvré. The partnership will enable combined expertise in dismantling not just ships but also broader industrial infrastructure.
The facility, housed in a shipyard established in 1903, includes two floating docks, a dry dock, and nearly two kilometers of quay space.
Related Articles:
Safety4Sea 15/05 - Germany approves its first ship recycling facility
Splash247 15/05 - Germany opens up for ship recycling
4. US and China to lower tariffs for 90 days
The U.S. and China have agreed to temporarily lower tariffs on each other’s products in a bid to ease trade tensions and create space for further negotiations over the next three months.
According to Bloomberg, under the new arrangement, U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods will fall from a combined 145% to 30% by May 14. In return, China will reduce its duties on U.S. products from 125% to 10%. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasized that the two nations do not intend to decouple economically and signaled progress on fentanyl-related talks and possible future purchasing agreements by China.
However, this reduction does not affect sector-wide tariffs applied to all U.S. trading partners or the initial tariffs imposed on China during the Trump administration, which remain intact. Financial markets responded positively to the news, with global stocks, oil prices, and the dollar all rising. The yuan also gained ground against the dollar. Both countries agreed to set up a mechanism to continue trade discussions.
China reiterated its desire for stable relations with the U.S., stressing mutual respect and rejecting pressure tactics. While this development is seen as a step toward resolving a long-standing trade conflict, history shows that such negotiations can be slow and uncertain.
Related Articles:
BBC 12/05 - Markets rise as US and China agree to slash tariffs
Safety4Sea 12/05 - US and China to lower tariffs for 90 days
CNBC 12/05 - U.S. and China agree to slash tariffs for 90 days in major trade breakthrough
5. BIMCO’s new President: Paul Pathy of Fednav, Ioanna Procopiou as President Designate
On Wednesday, 14 May 2025, Mr. Paul Pathy, President & CEO of Fednav, Canada’s leading dry bulk shipping company, has been elected as President of BIMCO during its General Meeting held in Copenhagen.
Mr. Pathy takes over from Nikolaus H. Schües as the 47th President and is the first BIMCO President from the Americas.
Mr. Paul Pathy brings extensive industry experience to the role, having spent over two decades in maritime leadership. He began his career in 2003 at Federal Marine Terminals as Vice President and General Manager, progressing to Senior Vice President of Business Development in 2007, before assuming the position of sole CEO at Fednav in 2017.
Furthermore, Ms. Ioanna Procopiou of Prominence Maritime S.A. being elected as President Designate. Ms. Procopiou’s appointment as President Designate of BIMCO highlights her significant contributions to the global shipping sector and also propels Greece's shipping industry onto the global leaderboard. This strategic leadership role underscores Greece’s continued influence and prominence in international maritime affairs.
Please tab here for BIMCO's Board of Directors and committee members.
Related Articles:
BIMCO 14/05 - BIMCO’s new President: Paul Pathy of Fednav
Maritime Executive 14/05 - BIMCO Elects New President: Paul Pathy of Fednav
Riviera 14/05 - BIMCO appoints Fednav's Paul Pathy as president
Mononews 16/05 - Ιωάννα Προκοπίου: Εξελέγη President Designate στην BIMCO
GCaptain 14/05 - Fednav CEO Paul Pathy Elected President of World’s Largest Shipping Association
6. Guidelines for safe anchoring in the Bosphorus southern anchorage
On 7 May 2025, the Turkish Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure has issued a notice to inform of reinforced anchoring regulations in the Southern Entrance Anchorage Areas of the Istanbul Strait, emphasizing strict compliance.
According to the notice, it has been observed that, from time to time, vessels and marine craft fail to anchor in accordance with the prescribed anchoring rules. In particular, it has been identified that vessels anchoring in the Southern Entrance Anchorage Areas of the Bosphorus are dropping anchor outside the designated anchorage zones, thereby posing a risk of damage to subsea infrastructure such as cable systems and petroleum and natural gas pipelines.
In order to prevent possible incidents, shipping agents are required to inform the ship’s master and other responsible parties prior to anchoring operations in the Southern Entrance Anchorage Areas of the Istanbul Strait and the anchorage zones under the authority of the Ambarlı Regional Port Authority, with respect to the following matters:
- The vessel shall not anchor outside the designated anchorage zone.
- The responsibility for necessary monitoring and precautionary measures against potential anchor dragging lies with the ship’s master.
- In the event of anchoring outside the designated zones, administrative sanctions may be imposed under the applicable legislation.
- If it is determined that the vessel is located outside the designated anchorage area, the relevant Port Authority may assign an escort tugboat, regardless of whether any damage to subsea infrastructure has occurred.
- In the event that the vessel is deemed to pose a potential hazard, all related expenses, including underwater hull and keel inspections, shall be borne by the ship’s operator or responsible parties.
Related Articles:
Safety4Sea 15/05 - Guidelines for safe anchoring in the Bosphorus southern anchorage
7. US TREASURY REPORT
The US Treasury Report for all actions reported is hereby attached.
Related Article:
Attachment 1: US Treasury Report for week 10/05/2025 – 16/05/2025
8. 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 16/04/2025 – 14/05/2025
Nothing important to report from the IMO, the ILO and the House of Representatives.