31st May 2025 – 6th June 2025
LOCAL NEWS
1. Cyprus takes over as host of the European Maritime Day 2026 – Limassol to be the focal point of events
The 2025 edition of European Maritime Day (EMD), the flagship annual gathering for blue economy stakeholders across Europe , took place on the May 21–23, 2025, in Cork, Ireland.
The event brought together about 1.200 participants, including policymakers, experts, and practitioners from key maritime sectors, to strengthen collaboration and advance the EU’s blue economy agenda.
For the third year in a row, the EU Sea Basin Strategies was featured prominently at EMD and showcased essential frameworks for fostering regional cooperation and supporting the implementation of EU blue economy policy goals. As on previous occasions this was done with a high level panel and a technical workshop.
During the closing ceremony of the event, Cyprus officially received the baton to host the European Maritime Day (EMD) 2026.
According to a statement by the Deputy Ministry of Shipping, Cyprus was represented by the Mayor of Limassol and officials from the Deputy Ministry, who accepted the handover from the Irish delegation in the presence of European Commissioner for Oceans and Fisheries, Mr. Kostas Kadis.
The event will take place on 21 and 22 May 2026, as part of the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the European Union. The main venue will be the city of Limassol, with parallel events scheduled in other coastal areas across Cyprus.
The Deputy Ministry of Shipping is coordinating the event in collaboration with other relevant Ministries, local authorities, and stakeholders from the maritime and blue economy sectors.
Related Articles:
WestMED 01/06 - EU Sea Basin Strategies at the 2025 European Maritime Day (EMD) in Cork, Ireland
VASAB - One ocean, shared future: Highlights from European Maritime Day 2025 in Cork
CBN 26/05 - Cyprus gearing up for 2026 European Maritime Day
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
2. BIMCO drafts new clause to support Biofuel use in Time Charters
On the 4th June 2025, BIMCO has launched a new subcommittee to develop a Biofuel Clause for Time Charter Parties, marking a proactive step toward addressing the legal and operational challenges posed by the growing use of biofuels in shipping.
With regulatory frameworks like the EU ETS, FuelEU Maritime and the upcoming IMO Net-zero Framework measures reshaping fuel strategies, biofuels are becoming an increasingly attractive option for reducing emissions. Yet, their integration into charter agreements remains complex, often raising questions around fuel quality, engine compatibility, and liability.
The newly formed subcommittee, comprising shipowners, charterers, P&I representatives and technical experts, met for the first time on 7 April 2025. Its work will focus on defining the scope and standards for biofuels, clarifying how they may be supplied and handled, and ensuring that their use aligns with performance expectations and regulatory obligations.
The clause will also consider the practical realities of biofuel use, such as blending with conventional fuels, onboard storage, and the implications for speed and consumption warranties. By addressing these issues, BIMCO aims to provide a flexible yet robust contractual solution that supports compliance without compromising vessel reliability.
A draft clause is expected to be presented at BIMCO’s Documentary Committee meeting in October 2025. Once adopted, it will offer much-needed clarity for charterers and owners navigating the transition to low-carbon operations.
To ensure the clause reflects the practical needs and perspectives of the wider maritime community, BIMCO will also establish a sounding board comprising industry stakeholders. This forum will provide an opportunity for interested parties to review and comment on the draft clause as it develops, contributing valuable insights from across the sector. Stakeholders who wish to express their interest in participating are encouraged to visit What we do or contact BIMCO directly via email.
Related Articles:
BIMCO 04/06 - BIMCO drafts new clause to support biofuel use in time charters
Offshore 05/06 - BIMCO’s new clause to support biofuel use in time charters
ShipAndBunker 06/06 - BIMCO to develop new clause addressing biofuel use in Charter Agreements
3. AMSA MLC Annual Report 2024: 173 complaints received during the year
A total of 173 complaints of violations against the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) were received in 2024 - a decrease of 19.16% compared to 2023, the Australia Maritime Safety Authrority (AMSA) reports.
The AMSA MLC Annual report 2024 aims to present findings on key MLC data in Australian waters. It presents an analysis of MLC complaints, compliance and follow-up actions undertaken by AMSA in Australia for 2024. Additionally, the information of the report will be used to inform the 2025-2026 National Compliance Plan.
Key findings from 2024
- 62.4% of MLC complaints came from bulk carriers;
- 28.3% of complaints related to wages;
- 934 MLC-related deficiencies were identified during Port State Control inspections;
- 9 vessels were detained because of deficiencies.
MLC complaints received
In 2024, AMSA received 173 complaints representing a 19.16% decrease on the number received in 2023 (214). The number of complaints has continued to decline from the peak of 320 in 2020, likely influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the rolling 5-year average remains consistent. Most of the complaints originated directly from seafarers, consistent with previous years.
Please tab here for the full report.
Related Articles:
AMSA 06/06 - Maritime Labour Convention report released
Safety4Sea 06/06 - AMSA MLC Annual Report 2024: 173 complaints received during the year
4. US TREASURY REPORT
The US Treasury Report for all actions reported is hereby attached.
Related Article:
Attachment 1: US Treasury Report for week 31/05/2025 – 06/06/2025
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 07/05/2025 – 04/06/2025
Nothing important to report from the IMO, the ILO and the House of Representatives.